Diálogos de mediação para navegar na web: um estudo empírico com o SideTalk

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of SideTalk as a support tool for teachers of municipal schools in Quixadá-CE in their teaching activities. Considering the current trend of integration of technology in the school environment and the importance of the teacher in this process, we decided to interview teachers of municipal schools to understand the difficulties faced by them, and present the SideTalk, expecting to evaluate if the tool can assist them in their classes. The study was based on semistructured interview with participating teachers and on the observation of the interaction between them and the tool. In the first part of the interview, to describe the profile of each teacher, we investigated how the Internet resources are used in their daily lives and in their teaching activities. Then, the SideTalk tool was presented, and the participants had the chance to interact with the tool. Finally, the teachers gave their opinions about the tool and evaluated the applicability of SideTalk in their school activities. All teachers concluded that using the internet as a resource for their classes is beneficial to the class because it increases motivation and brings new content to the classroom. However, we noticed a scenario where teachers need support, including motivational, which indicates the existence of a cultural barrier that must be broken so that these teachers can make use of the benefits that technology provides. The tool, although it was considered useful and applicable by all participants, doesn’t solve all access problems for teachers, but may be responsible for creating an alternative form of classroom lectures and assignments presentations, representing the beginning of a change in the education system of municipal schools, that still follow traditional teaching methods that have existed for decades.