TECHNOLOGIES AND PEDAGOGICAL MEDIATION IN DISTANCE HIGHER EDUCATION

This study investigated of the limits and possibilities of the pedagogical use of technologies in distance higher education according to the perceptions of professors working um a regular accounting course. Qualitative-descriptive research was done, with data collected by means of an online questionnaire with open-questions and then analyzed by means of content analysis. The following benefits of Distance Higher Education, according to the professors, were found: “the access to higher education”, “flexibility of time and physical space”, “student´s self-discipline and self-learning”. As critical points, they mentioned “lack of an online educational background of professors and students” and the “difficulty promoting professor/student interaction”. As a challenge, the professors mentioned “dealing with the absence of a direct relationship professor/student”, that is, the “face-toface situation", which is common in a classroom; the use of strategies and resources that promote the exchange of experiences and interaction”, the “student´s profile”, “lack of student´s maturity”, “self-discipline”. Therefore, it is concluded that digital media are also regarded by professors as mere instructional tools, which a fact that makes a more critical understanding of technologies and the use of their full potential, especially as a way of cultural expression and production.