Animais polinizadores : a transposição didática em aplicativos móveis para smartphones e suas contribuições para o ensino das ciências biológicas

Abstract

The objective of this work was to analyze the Biology Mobile Apps for Smartphones related to the teaching of Zoology and its potential for Science Education, as well as the Didactic Transposition of the content of “Pollinating Animals” in these applications. Among pollinating agents, insects stand out for their efficiency and abundance in nature and among insects, bees form the most important group. The research was developed in four stages, contemplating the selection, classification, evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of the application and the analysis of the didactic transposition of zoological concepts. Then, the use of the application was investigated, with a more satisfactory evaluation, in the classroom. Not finding relevant and sufficient elements for the analysis of “Pollinating Animals”, we started a more specific search for applications where the group of Bees was chosen and so, selecting the ABELHA app from the Brazilian Association of Bee Studies (A.B.E.L.H.A), for having a rich range of information about this zoological group. The results indicate that the application presented updated information and brings in its content, current and relevant discussions in relation to the topic addressed. As for the Didactic Transposition of the concepts, not found suppressions, deformations or metacognitive slips. There is no information that can lead the student to a misinterpretation, nor conceptual errors, it can harm the construction of knowledge. The classification of bees was addressed, without discarding the kinship between species, beyond the importance of this group, not only economical, but also ecological, discarding a utilitarian view of the animal. In addition, it brings in its content current and relevant discussions regarding the theme addressed, taking into account the conservation of the studied group, important factor for the development of a critical, thinking citizen and concerned about the world he lives in. There was no difficulty in using the application in the classroom. The students were able to answer the proposed questions, although often just by copying the information that was in the application. Through the analysis of the audios it was possible to notice that they have a basicknowledge about the theme worked. In the general context, the application has potential for the development of skills and competences present at PCNEF with respect to the commitment to the environment and the handling of technological resources, can be considered as a differentiated resource with educational potential, because it features content like animations and videocasts, for example, bringing a difference when compared to the textbook. However, it is important to note that everything will depend on how the application is used and what objectives it is intended to achieve.