Office of Distance Learning (SEAD)

1- What is Distance Learning?

Distance learning is an educational modality in which the didactic-pedagogical mediation of the teaching and learning process takes place through the use of information and communication technologies, allowing students and instructors to carry out educational activities in different places or at different times. This definition is set forth in Decree No. 5622 of 19 December 2005 (which revoked Decree No. 2494/98), regulating the Article 80 of the Law No. 9394/96 (Law of Guidelines and Bases of National Education – LDB).

2- How is Distance Learning implemented at UFSC?

UFSC uses distance learning for staff training, outreach and extension projects, institutional projects for public and private institutions, online and on-campus undergraduate programs, as well as graduate programs.

Distance learning at UFSC is coordinated by the Office of Distance Learning (SEAD). The Office is responsible for developing staff training, institutional projects in partnership with public and private institutions, and outreach and extension projects, as well as for institutionalizing distance learning by promoting this educational modality in undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, SEAD houses the Universidade Aberta do Brasil [Open University of Brazil] (UAB) Center, which manages the undergraduate distance learning programs offered under the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES).

3- Can all UFSC undergraduate programs be offered through Distance Learning?

No. Not all undergraduate programs can be offered through distance learning, as they must first be accredited by the Ministry of Education (MEC) for this modality. Currently, around 100 undergraduate distance learning programs are accredited by MEC. You can find them on e-MEC, an online platform that provides up-to-date and detailed information on all higher education institutions and programs in Brazil.

4- Faculty members: How can I prepare to teach through distance learning and adapt my course content?

Faculty members must complete the Innovation in Virtual Teaching course, developed by LabSEAD and offered through UFSC’s Continuing Education Program (PROFOR), and obtain the corresponding certificate.

5- Faculty members: Can I offer distance learning courses in on-campus programs?

Yes. These are known as hybrid programs, in which most classes are held on campus while a portion of the curriculum (20% to 40%) is delivered through distance learning. To adopt this model, the proposal must be included in the Program Educational Project and approved by the appropriate UFSC governing bodies. In addition, the instructor must hold the required certification to teach distance learning courses.

6- How can SEAD contribute to hybrid courses, training, and projects?

The Office of Distance Learning has a multidisciplinary team that develops educational media and resources, including videos, printed materials, teleconferencing and videoconferencing, text edition and revision, information technology solutions, and instructional design.

7- How can I enroll in an undergraduate distance learning program at UFSC?

To enroll in an undergraduate distance learning program at UFSC, you must be selected through the University Entrance Examination (Vestibular) for distance learning undergraduate programs. Applications are submitted online, while the entrance examinations are taken in person in the city where the local learning center selected during the application process is located. You must have completed secondary education by the time you enroll in the program. Please note that the Vestibular for distance learning programs is not offered on a regular basis. To avoid missing application deadlines, follow the EaD-UFSC and COPERVE (Permanent Entrance Examination Committee) websites.

8- I already hold a degree. Do I need to apply through the selection process to enroll in an undergraduate distance learning program at UFSC?

Not necessarily. If there are seats available for transfer or returning, UFSC publishes a Call for Applications outlining the eligibility criteria and application procedures for these admission pathways. These Calls for Applications are usually published twice a year. Please check the UFSC Academic Calendar for the publication dates.

9- I am currently enrolled in the same or a different undergraduate program at UFSC or at another institution. Do I need to apply through the selection process to enroll in an undergraduate distance learning program at UFSC?

Not necessarily. If there are seats available for transfer or returning, UFSC publishes a Call for Applications outlining the eligibility criteria and application procedures for these admission pathways. These Calls for Applications are usually published twice a year. Please check the UFSC Academic Calendar for the publication dates.

10- What is the tuition fee for undergraduate distance learning programs at UFSC?

UFSC is a public university; therefore, all undergraduate programs, including those offered through distance learning, are tuition-free.

11- Can I study at a local learning center far from the city where I live?

Yes. You may study at a local learning center located in a different city, provided that you are able to fulfill all the program requirements.

Most of the coursework in UFSC’s distance learning programs is completed through Moodle, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). However, approximately 30% of the program is completed in person. Mandatory in-person activities include examinations, supervised internships (when required), final project defenses (when required), laboratory activities, and videoconferences. In general, students are required to attend two in-person meetings per month.

It is not possible to be exempt from all in-person activities because, in accordance with Article 4 of Decree No. 5622 of 19 December 2005, “the evaluation of the student’s performance for purposes of promotion, studies completion, and diploma or certificate conferral will be carried out through: I – fulfillment of the scheduled activities; and II – completion of in-person exams.

12- Does UFSC offer any distance learning Master’s Program?

No . At present, UFSC does not offer any stricto sensu graduate program through distance learning.

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