Modelo de gestão para educação à distância: o sistema de acompanhamento ao estudante (SAE)

In order to achieve the goals of Distance Learning, an effective model of management is essential and, accordingly, the Student Monitoring System (SMS) is one of the key factors in the teaching/learning process. Therefore, this study aims to present an analysis of main agents and SAE technological resources applied to Distance Learning in the Business Administration Course at Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). The case study method was used in a qualitative approach. The primary data was collected through a systematic and participatory observation by the researchers, while the secondary data was derived from bibliographic and documental research. The conclusions present analysis results relative to SAE. The process of mediation and interaction between teachers/tutors and students is highlighted, where the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) - in particular the Teaching and Learning Virtual Environment (AVEA, in Portuguese) - contributes to the students’ monitoring and performance. Further emphasis is bestowed upon the role of the tutors, considered the main components in the teaching/learning process because of constant interaction and mediation between teachers and students.