DISTANCE EDUCATION EVOLUTION IN ARGENTINE UNIVERSITIES: INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

Abstract

For over thirty years, the so-called information and communication technologies have penetrated into the field of distance education, which has developed to a lesser extent in emerging countries. In this context, the research question is: what is the influence of technological innovation in the historical evolution of distance education offered by national universities in Argentina? This issue is addressed through a descriptive study from a qualitative methodological approach. Using documentary analysis as a data collection technique, the
websites of the 55 national public universities were surveyed. Results show that the offer of virtual courses and degrees has experienced a significant growth over the past 17 years. This growth is correlated with the emergence and incorporation of these technologies in the geographical area under study and, after a certain time, a regulatory framework for this higher education modality was developed. Although Argentine society has a greater preference for face-to-face education, technological innovation boosts new ways of communication and information transfer. Therefore, if such technologies are exploited to their full potential, distance education has a promissory future.