NEW REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION: IMPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This article analyzes the new regulatory framework for distance education (DE) in Brazil, examining its definitions, formats, transition rules, and quality benchmarks, while also discussing its implications for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and undergraduate course offerings. The study adopts a documentary approach, reviewing decrees and ordinances that regulate DE, highlighting the shift from a more permissive model to a stricter normative structure. The findings indicate that the new guidelines aim to strike a balance between innovation and academic quality, reinforcing the requirement for in-person and synchronous mediated activities in specific fields, such as health and law. However, this transformation presents challenges for institutions, which must adapt to new methodological and structural demands, directly impacting academic planning and student accessibility. The flexibility of adaptation deadlines allows for a more gradual transition, mitigating adverse effects for HEIs and students. It concludes that the more detailed regulation seeks to ensure the quality and safety of academic training, while also emphasizing the need for public policies that promote the democratization of higher education by providing inclusive and equitable access.