OULEARN - uma proposta de plataforma para a popularização de cursos de extensão online da UFSM

Abstract

This study was conducted within the Postgraduate Program in Networked Educational Technologies at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), in the Research Line on Development of Networked Educational Technologies. It proposes the implementation of an e-learning platform for UFSM, aiming to improve processes related to the lifecycle of extension courses offered in the distance learning modality. The research investigates the difficulties faced by UFSM users in managing extension courses due to the lack of automation in institutional technologies, resulting in bureaucratic and manual processes involving multiple systems and different stakeholders. These challenges impact everything from the availability of a course to the issuance of a completion certificate, leading to low engagement by the academic community and limiting the reach of extension activities.To address this issue, the goal of this research was to investigate how an e-learning platform could facilitate the offering and dissemination of extension courses, promoting continuous professional development and meeting the academic community’s qualification needs. The proposed solution includes the development of an educational technology incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, offering an open and interoperable platform aligned with Web 4.0 trends. The platform seeks to automate processes related to the management of extension course lifecycles and create a digital ecosystem that allows interoperability with existing technologies at UFSM, including Moodle and other IT tools used by the institution. The research employs a quali-quantitative approach and the Design Science Research (DSR) method, with agile development practices guided by SCRUM. The results of the OULEARN platform evaluation demonstrated a positive reception from participants who tested the platform. They rated the user experience highly on aspects such as overall satisfaction, usability, and interface quality. The platform received an "A" for overall satisfaction and usability, a "B" for information quality, and an "A+" for interface quality, indicating that it adequately meets the demands of UFSM users.This research aims to contribute to the democratization of knowledge by making the OULEARN platform available through a scalable, open-source solution, offering an innovative approach to managing and disseminating extension courses at UFSM.