Student Support System for Distance Education in Cuba: Design and Proposal

Abstract

There is no doubt that many of the challenges of distance education, such as high dropout rates and low academic performance, have been present from the beginning to the present. Any effort aimed at mitigating them can be considered important and impactful. This article proposes the design of a support system for students pursuing distance studies in Cuban higher education institutions, in order to enhance non-cognitive skills and promote their autonomous learning. The study mainly uses the descriptive method to make a system proposal, as well as the detailed description of the elements that compose it, how its implementation would be carried out and how its effectiveness would be evaluated. The proposed support system is considered technology-based and has five components: orientation and preparation of new students, assignment of tutors, workshops and seminars, additional resources, and academic and psychosocial support.