A PRESENÇA DO PROFESSOR NO ENSINO A DISTÂNCIA

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is to investigate the kind of interaction that occurs in the classroom and in distance learning contexts, trying to detect the differences between one and the other. Four aspects were examined: (1) student/teacher interaction; (2) student/student interaction; (3) student/content interaction; and (4) student/instrument interaction. The theoretical background is based mainly on Vygotsky s ideas, with an emphasis on the Activity Theory, following Leontiev and current development of the theory by Engestrom. The data were collected during a semester, from two groups, one in the classroom and the other in a distance learning course, both groups studying the same content. Different instruments were used, including a diary, questionnaires, classroom observation, interviews, and the distance learning platform itself with its own tools (Teleduc). The results showed that, in terms of interaction, there are more differences than similarities between distance learning and classroom contexts. Among the differences, the following should be highlighted: there is a tendency in distance learning contexts to eliminate the hierarchy between teacher and student; the role of the teacher as a facilitator is more important in virtual teaching; the tool is more relevant in distance learning. The conclusion is that although there are differences between the two forms of teaching, these differences do not guarante e the efficiency of one over the other