A PERCEPÇÃO DOS ESTUDANTES DO ENSINO SUPERIOR SOBRE AS MODALIDADES DE OFERTA NO BRASIL: DESAFIOS, PREFERÊNCIAS E TENDÊNCIAS

The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of higher education students regarding educational delivery modalities in Brazil, with emphasis on face-to-face and distance learning (EAD), identifying challenges, preferences, and trends. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive study conducted between July and August 2023, with 4,081 students regularly enrolled in Brazilian higher education institutions. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate a predominance of female students, students coming from public schools, working students, and those with a household income of up to R$ 2,900.00. A significant preference was observed for face-to-face education or hybrid models, especially due to the need for in-person practical activities, faculty support, and social interaction. It is concluded that the choice for distance education is strongly associated with economic and flexibility factors, and not only with pedagogical preference, highlighting the need for restructuring delivery models and institutional policies.