MOOCs and the democratization of knowledge in cultural tourism: an analysis of the tourism conductors course in local cultural spaces

Abstract

The democratization of knowledge is a central objective of educational policies in Brazil. Public, free, quality education for all is advocated as a condition for a more just society. In this sense, the study investigates how massive open online courses (MOOCs) contribute to the democratization of knowledge in the cultural tourism sector in Brazil, focusing on the course of Tourism Conductors Course in Local Cultural Space, offered by IFRS - Osório campus in a massive format. The research, of applied nature and qualitative approach, uses the case study method to examine the sociodemographic profile of participants, including income, race/ethnicity, and completion rates. Data collection was carried out between October 2023 and March 2024, through documentary analysis of the course's administrative records, which included demographic data and student completion rates. The results indicate that MOOCs play a significant role in democratizing access to education, allowing individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including lower-income groups, to train for careers in cultural tourism. The flexibility and accessibility of the investigated course strongly impacted the inclusion of these groups, promoting professional development. It is concluded that MOOCs can be an effective tool for increasing access to quality education, strengthening the cultural tourism in Brazil, and overcoming traditional barriers to education access. Furthermore, they promote the appreciation of cultural heritage and train qualified professionals to work in this field, thus contributing to a more just and informed society.