Análise de um projeto de educação a distância executado por meio de recursos eletrônicos (e-learning): um estudo de cado

Abstract

The object of this master s thesis is the study of the variables that are correlated to the elaboration of distance learning projects carried out by means of electronic tools (e-learning). The broad objective of the thesis is the identification of the main organizational and educational characteristics embedded in a specific corporate e-learning project, which stands out in Brazil, due to its ability to train and develop workers. The approach adopted, specifically focused on describing the variables correlated to the elaboration of this e-learning project, while also comparing the information associated with these variables, with the information provided by the case study of Teixeira et al. (2004) and the information supplied by the case study of Mello Junior (1987). The thesis basically wants to observe these variables, in order to develop a methodology which can be used by other organizations who wish to implement corporate e-learning projects to train and develop the skills, abilities and competencies of their workforce. The thesis begins with a brief introduction that emphasizes the importance of e-learning in the world today, while also detailing the boundaries of the research project. The introduction is followed by a bibliographical review, which is organized in such a way, that it permits the reader to understand the big picture before jumping into the smaller elements that constitute the phenomenon known as e-learning. The subsequent chapter deals with explaining the methodology used by the research project. This chapter clarifies the question proposed by the thesis, describes the categories and variables of the research object, informs the instrument which was used to collect data in the field study and explains how the data was gathered. The following chapter, states the information that was collected in the field study. The successive chapter, which is called Data Analysis, basically states what was learnt with the data that was collected in the scientific research project. The data analysis stage, emphasizes that an e-learning project must be elaborated according to a specific methodology. It also points out that e-learning projects must be composed of three fundamental elements: technology, content, and knowledge management. The final chapter of the thesis declares the challenges and the difficulties that were encountered during the research project and makes a couple of recommendations for future research projects.