Educação a distância via internet: estudo dos fatores que influenciam o desempenho e a aprendizagem dos alunos

Abstract

This work focuses on an interdisciplinary study about teacher s continuing education training in virtual learning environment, in this case, online distance learning. The purpose of the study was to investigate and to analyze the factors associated with the active participation of the students and a high achievement at a an online distance learning course, offered by the Program Pontão de Cultura located at Faculdade de Educação da USP. The course was developed through Moodle Learning Management System, which offers synchronous and asynchronous tools of communication by Internet. The research question of the study was: Which factors contributed to make some students participate actively and have success at a course offered by Pontão de Cultura? The methodology applied was a qualitative approach supported by a case study. The population of the research was eleven students that concluded the online course out of eighty enrolled ones. The results indicated that the principal factor that motivated students was the continuing training proposal associated with the students direct application at their work environment. Another important factors which influenced positively students to continue and have success at the course were: technological abilities in using the computer and the virtual learning, opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired at the practice, effective participation of the students in activities and forums, dialogues between teachers and tutors, relevance of the content and materials of the course