Research Notes ~ Supporting Distance Students Using the Internet: A Brazilian Experience

• Main Authors: Marialice de Moraes, Carolina Rodrigues Paz, Flavia Lumi Matuzawa, Patricia Jantsch Fiuza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Athabasca University Press 2003-04-01
• Series: International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
• Subjects: student support; globalizing economy; change management; Brazil
• Online Access: http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/120/200

The current context of globalization is marked by rapid and widespread technological, economic, and social changes, all of which raise important questions for educators. Described by such terms as ‘knowledge explosion,’ ‘information era’ and ‘information hype,’ we are living in an era where knowledge is evolving at a rapid speed, where students and teachers alike are called upon to quickly assume new skills, competencies, and knowledge. However, in spite of its positive economic impact on society a whole, skills and knowledge development are increasingly seen as a responsibility of individuals. Clearly the acquisition of new skills, competencies, and knowledge are essential for individuals to gain better and more lucrative employment opportunities in the new world economy. Therefore, both individuals and society must keep abreast with constant changes occurring in today’s global economy.