http://dx.doi.org/10.17851/1983-3652.9.1.140-159

Abstract

This article presents and analyzes the results of the experience related to Espaço do produtor’s website (Producer space, in free translation), developed and maintained by Coordenadoria de Educação Aberta e a Distância (Cead), from Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV). For this purpose, we associated the results acquired by researches made with the website users in 2012, and a literature review about the theme, particularly about the online courses offered by the website. In those courses, the information and communication technologies (TIC) were used to stimulate users’ self-learning, among others e-learning particularities. At the same time, we intend to confirm the technical and institutional viability to develop a website to promote extension activities in education public institutions, grounding them with the help of data and research testimonials. Among the obstacles for the development of activities and extension projects, we found the high costs and the lack of incentive for researches and students’ participation. We conclude that it is possible to reach a large audience, that often, due to geographic condition or lack of time, could not dedicate to a classroom or distance course. Besides that, the user can go further in the matter, which has big importance for his decisions, in the present or future, for the professional or everyday life.

Keywords

• free courses
• distance learning
• Espaço do produtor
• extension