DISTANCE EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAO PAULO: CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLANTATION PROCESS OF A NEW EDUCATIONAL MODEL

This paper discusses the role of Distance Education in the process of democratization of education in Brazil. We begin our considerations with the concept of Distance Education and a brief analysis of its range through the use of various Medias, primarily the new technologies of information and communication. We broach the social role of this teaching and learning modality and the challenges that delay its expansion, especially in public universities. We point out the existence of a strong cultural resistance among students, teachers and educational institutions and the necessity to break old paradigms to promote innovative practices. Finally, we talk about the first initiatives at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) to explore all the potential propitiated by the new technologies, for educational experiences as well the offering of distance courses.