Criação de programa para resolução do problema de alocação de horários em escolas do ensino médio do Ceará

Abstract

A frequent challenge in educational institutions is creating a class schedule that meets the needs of schools, teachers, and students. As this is a recurring and complex problem due to its combinatorial nature, especially in large schools, the use of tools that automate the search for viable solutions is recommended. However, it can be difficult to find software that is easy to use, flexible enough to be applied in different Timetabling Problem scenarios, or affordable for most educational institutions. Among the mathematical approaches to this problem, Integer Linear Programming (ILP) stands out as an effective method for modeling and optimizing timetable allocation while considering multiple constraints. In this study, ILP was used along with the Google OR-Tools library to develop ClassPlanner, a system capable of generating feasible and optimized timetables. Additionally, ClassPlanner was designed with a simple and intuitive interface, abstracting the complexity involved in timetable generation and making it accessible to any user without requiring technical knowledge. The implementation considered common constraints in high schools in Ceará, such as subject workload and teacher availability. The tests demonstrated that ClassPlanner successfully allocated all classes, minimized scheduling conflicts, and achieved solutions in reduced computational time, while also offering an accessible user experience.