PPEL, Unit 1, Task 4

1QI

I posed Dr. Carlos Vieira Lima, Head of Continuous Training Division in Centro de Estudos e Formação Autárquica (CEFA) the following question:

Question:
Dear Carlos Vieira Lima,
I'm a master student at Universidade Aberta who is investigating the impact of Distance Education on workers skills and knowledge.
I hope that you can answer the following question.
If it is acceptable for you, I would like to share both my question and your answer in our course forum and my personal blog at: http://mpelejadores.blogspot.com/
How do you think Distance Education can improve workers skills and knowledge, in local governments context?

Answer:
In the universe of local governments, we have witnessed, in recent years, a huge increase in production of legislation and the introduction of new techniques and methodologies, in virtually all sectors of activity.
These facts create an urgent need for training, so that professionals in each field can keep updated on the latest developments and changes.
Moreover, with the increasing volume of new training needs, people have less and less time available to attend it.
Thus, distance learning is emerging as an effective solution able to fulfill these training needs, respecting the limitations and constraints referred above, enabling the frequency of training which, if taken out the traditional way, in face-to-face courses, people could not attend.
Another advantage of capital importance of this form of teaching/learning lies in the lower financial and social costs, both for organizations that promote training, and for the learners.
However, this process can only be effective and produce satisfactory outcomes if properly organized and implemented in accordance with proper positioning for the learners, with appropriate contents and properly assessed.