A recent survey published in the new edition of the Mapa da Desigualdade reveals that remote learning has become the primary mode of accessing higher education in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Specifically, 60.54% of students, totaling 79,909, are enrolled in distance education (EAD), while 52,067 are in traditional, in-person classes. The total enrollment for higher education in the city now stands at 131,976, demonstrating a clear trend towards online education.

The data indicates a significant change in the profile of students in the area, as more are opting for remote courses primarily due to the flexibility in scheduling and the lower costs associated with distance learning. The findings suggest that a majority of new entrants into higher education are choosing the EAD route from the onset, emphasizing the ongoing transformation in educational preferences among students in São José.

However, this increase in remote learning enrollment also raises concerns, as the statistics show a still low number of students completing their courses. This could indicate potential challenges in maintaining engagement, as the shift to EAD might not cater to all learning styles effectively, highlighting the need for measures to support student retention and completion rates in these programs.