The Devaluation of Distance Learning Higher Education: Lack of Monitoring and the Decline in Academic Quality: Falta de Monitoramento e o Declínio da Qualidade Acadêmica

Abstract

The rapid expansion of distance learning, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded access to higher education, but has also devalued academic standards. In contrast to the improvement of assessment and monitoring methods in face-to-face institutions over the past 15 years, many distance learning courses have been implemented without proper regulation, resulting in weak assessments, lower student engagement, and a decline in educational quality. This deregulation, combined with inequality in access to technology and insufficient training of educators, compromises graduates' education and their employability. Therefore, it is urgent that policies and monitoring mechanisms be improved to ensure quality and equitable higher education.