Plataforma Khan Academy: uma análise de suas potencialidades na visão de professores do Ensino Fundamental I de um município do interior de São Paulo

Abstract

This research aimed the analysis of the potential use of the Khan Academy platform in the perspective of Elementary School I teachers from the education system in the inner state of São Paulo. The relevance of this research moves towards the unveiling of the universe of studies and researches concerning the challenges and perspectives of blended teaching, as well as to investigate the contribution of integrated experiences and active methodologies as tools and alternative ways to improve teachers’ actions and, consequently, the students learning process. This qualitative research was conducted by online questionnaires containing open and closed questions to (25) twenty-five Elementary school teachers of the municipal education system which has been investigated through sampling, and (1) one professional responsible for the platform deployment in the city, identifying the knowledge concerning the set of themes, its resources and strategies, possibilities of application, the tool limits and ranges as well as the achieved results. The presented data show an identity profile of teachers aged 26 to 45; married in their majority, and with a degree, being a total of (13) thirteen experts and (1) one with a professional Master’s Degree. They are teachers with over 8 years of experience in teaching, with a weekly schedule from 35 to 40 working hours, working during the first years of Elementary School with 3rd and 5tg grades. Regarding the answers related to teachers’ experience with the Khan Academy platform, data revealed that most teachers had from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years or more using the tool; they were responsible for preparing classes on the platform; they dedicated from 1 to 3 working hours with students; also had an awareness of active methodologies and used different methods in classes because they believed the tool contributed to students learning process; integrated technologies were applied to the syllabus and allowed students to interact with different tools developing learning; cooperation during group activities and the interest in learning by gamification; they highlight that, while using blended teaching, it is necessary to rethink the organization of the classroom and the pedagogical plan elaboration making learning closer to the students’ reality. Although the platform represents an important tool before the current demands of technology and learning in face of a new social model, effective actions to its improvement are necessary and, consequently, the participation of teachers in the process of these activities; construction in the formative processes; and in the mediation with students. This is a collective action which must start from the students' needs, reflect on them to search alternative ways which guarantee a meaningful learning for all.