VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: INTERACTION AND INTERACTIVITY IN DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the interactions and interactivity in the virtual learning environment (VLE) of a Pedagogy course at the Universidade Aberta do Brasil (UAB) in the state of Alagoas, as well as to identify students' perceptions about the influence of interaction on the teaching-learning process. To this end, it is based on the concept that learning involves interaction with peers and active participation of those involved in the Teaching and Learning process in Distance Education (DE), in which mediation occurs through the VLE. The guiding question is: How can the tools and elements available in the VLE influence virtual interaction and interactivity, motivate, and foster collaborative learning? The methodological path involved data collection through questionnaires applied to students of the Pedagogy course in the DE modality. The results obtained showed that students understand interaction and interactivity as important elements for the collaborative construction of knowledge and that the main interaction tools in the VLE are preferably the forum and activity posting spaces, which serve as a means for exchanging knowledge.