Social Representations of de Students on Distance Education and the Possibility of Employment

Abstract

Current research discusses Distance Education and the possibility of employment. It also forwards data for a better understanding of the social representations of studies involved in this educational mode. The social representations of DE students on the educational modality and employment are analyzed. Data were retrieved from interviews with students of DE in private institutions of Salvador, Brazil, and an analysis of the most recurring terms, content analysis and the centrality of the characteristics of DE in social representations was undertaken. Results show that (1) there is a positive social representation of the modality, evidenced by high underscoring; (2) the negative vision does not overshadow benefits, such as flexibility; (3) there is a transformation in the social representation of DE in proportion to student´s insertion; (4) modality and knowledge during formation is the key for professional and personal satisfaction, one´s insertion in the labor market, employment and financial returns.