Integração e aprimoramento de aplicativos para acolhimento, acessibilidade e suporte acadêmico no ambiente universitário

Abstract

Access to institutional and academic information can represent a significant challenge for university students, especially those entering higher education for the first time. Difficulties in obtaining information about scholarships, course structures and accessibility tend to compromise their adaptation and permanence in the university. In this context, the present work has as objective the integration and the improvement of two applications developed within the scope of the UFC: Um Estranho no Ninho and Mapa Acessível. The first gathers relevant academic information, especially for students newly entering higher education. The second has as its focus the mapping of the accessibility points of the campus, in addition to informational content. Considering the broad familiarity of students with Um Estranho no Ninho and the range of information it provides, the application was chosen as the functional basis of the new version. From this structure, Mapa Acessível was incorporated as one of its main functionalities, considering its relevance in providing essential information about accessibility on campus. However, in view of the technical limitations of the no-code environment of the original application, it is opted for the development of the system from scratch, in an open-code environment, using modern technologies such as React and TypeScript, and structuring the solution as a Progressive Web App (PWA), which combines benefits of web and native applications. The methodology focuses on three axes: development of the new version in an architecture prepared to support the incorporation of other campuses, integration between the systems, and the implementation of accessibility resources, in accordance with the guidelines of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which stipulate digital accessibility standards. As a result, a responsive and inclusive platform is obtained, which contributes to the strengthening of student permanence and the democratization of access to information.