Definições de Educação a Distância

Definição 1:
"Learning is defined as "the act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill." Learning is the preferred term rather than education that is generally defined as the knowledge or skill obtained or developed by the learning process. However educators often use the terms interchangeably. (...)

Broadly, any educational or learning process or system in which the teacher and instructor are separated geographically or in time from his or her students; or in which students are separated from other students or educational resources. Contemporary distance learning is effected through the implementation of computer and electronics technology to connect teacher and student in either real or delayed time or on an as-needed basis. Content delivery may be achieved through a variety of technologies, including satellites, computers, cable television, interactive video, electronic transmissions via telephone lines, and others. Distance learning does not preclude traditional learning processes; frequently it is used in conjunction with in-person classroom or professional training procedures and practices. It is also called distributed learning."

Several key features define distance learning.

• the separation of teacher and learner during at least a majority of each instructional process,
• separation of teacher and learner in space and/or time,
• the use of educational media to unite teacher and learner and carry course content,
• the provision of two-way communication between teacher, tutor, or educational agency and learner, and
• volitional control of learning by student rather than distance instructor.

These definitions apply equally to high tech and low tech approaches to distance learning.

CDLP Adult Learning Activities. California Distance Learning Project. Retirado Novembro 28, 2005, de http://www.cdlponline.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=whatis.

Definição 2:

“Educação a Distância é uma relação de diálogo, estrutura e autonomia que requer meios técnicos para mediatizar esta comunicação. Educação a distância é um subconjunto de todos os programas educacionais caracterizados por: grande estrutura, baixo diálogo e grande distância transacional. Ela inclui também a aprendizagem”

Retirado a 28 de Novembro, 2005 de
BELLONI, Maria Luiza (1999) “Educação a Distância”. Ed. Autores Associados. São Paulo. P. 26. ISBN: 85-85701-77-3. BGUM 37.018.43-B.


Definição 3:
"Educação à distância é a aprendizagem planejada que geralmente ocorre num local diferente do ensino e, por causa disso, requer técnicas especiais de desenho de curso, técnicas especiais de instrução, métodos especiais de comunicação através da electrónica e outras tecnologias, bem como arranjos essenciais organizacionais e administrativos."

Retirado a 28 de Novembro, 2005 de
Niskier, Arnaldo (1999) "Educação à Distância. A tecnologia da esperança". Edições Loyola, São Paulo, Brasil. p. 50. ISBN: 85-15-01982-5. BGUM 37.018.43 N.