Investigação da customização da plataforma AVA “Moodle” para uso no ensino de línguas a distância

Abstract

The use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) is fundamental to distance learning. Different courses are offered in this modality, including language teaching, in order to minimize geographical problems and to expand the possibilities of access to knowledge. However, the difficulty is to create and adapt these virtual environments to the purpose of each course, since most of them sometimes became unattractive to teachers and students, due to the lack of resources, often resulting in not using it. Based on this, the aim of this study is to investigate and implement a customized VLE for language teaching in distance learning modality, with the purpose of enabling more interactive activities and also exploring gamification strategies, expanding the possibilities for meaningful learning. This dissertation was proposed to the Graduate Program in Networked Educational Technologies (PPGTER), in the research line of development of networked educational technologies, and it reports a case study with exploratory approach, in which questionnaires and interviews were applied in order to collect data. From mapping the literature, we seek to foster data collection as a support for decision making. The research was carried out with language professionals, the first phase consisting of ninety-two subjects and the final phase by ten participants. The data collected allowed us to customize the Moodle platform with BigBlueButton, H5P and Level Up plugins/add on, as well as to propose instructional material, which was tested by language professionals. Results indicate that the customized VLE for language teaching presents essential tools that enhance the practice of essential language skills in distance learning and the use of add-ons was successful to customize the VLE. In addition, the customization of Moodle enabled teachers in initial and continuing education to develop more interactive activities. The evaluators are satisfied with the diversity of tool options to be used in the preparation of digital learning material, considering that the resources favor the teaching of languages in a more dynamic and interactive way, besides promoting the meaningful learning, as the add ons explore elements that make the students more active in their learning process. As a product of this research we present an instructional material, in an e-book format, which is attached to this dissertation, with guidelines on the use of selected plugin and examples of adapted language activities in the Moodle environment.