ABSTRACT
The research evaluates the possibilities and obstacles inherent to the use of a Virtual Learning
Environments (VLE) in the continuing education of teachers as environmental educators in
public schools in the towns of Itajaí, Navegantes, Camboriú and Itapema, in the State of Santa
Catarina, during the Development of Materials and Technologies for Environmental
Education, by the Research Group in Education, Environmental Studies and Society (GEEAS)
of the Master‘s Degree in Education at UNIVALI. It investigates how the participants make
use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) of a VLE, in this case TelEduc,
and the cooperative learning experience and interaction between them and with the technical
staff. The theoretical background to the research was based mainly on the significant learning
approach (AUSUBEL, 1968), the mediated learning approach (FEUERSTEIN, 1991) and
cooperative learning approach in VLE (CAMPOS, et al. 2003; GUERRA, 2001,
McCONNEL, 1994), among others. The research was qualitative and participatory in nature,
and consisted of a document analysis of material produced on the course and the other
activities mediated by the virtual environment. Six of the eighteen teachers who took part in
the course were interviewed, seeking to identify their learning experiences on the course, the
interaction between the participants, and the obstacles and possibilities of VLE in continuing
education for Environmental Education (EE). Bardin‘s (2008) procedures were used for the
analysis, particularly content analysis. In terms of learning experiences, the results indicate
the presence of significant, mediated and cooperative learning. The process of mediation with
a VLE proved to be an essentially cooperative work, as in the reports analyzed, cooperation
was an aspect that was constantly present in the promotion of learning for the acquisition of
knowledge of the generator theme, sustainability, and the promotion of values and actions; it
enabled several pedagogical obstacles and difficulties to be overcome, such as a lack of
experience in the use of certain technologies, as demonstrated by some of the course
participants. The activities undertaken on the course - and benefited from VLE - included the
discussion forum, the development of conceptual maps, and banners of the projects
developed. The importance of the support material is also emphasized, as it provided access to
the portfolios. The main obstacles to the use of the VEL were a lack of knowledge, on the part
of some of the course participants, regarding the use of various technologies, although this
was a basic prerequisite for participation in the course. The lack of internet access and
computers in schools for the virtual meetings was also pointed by the interviewees. Among
the possibilities mentioned, the teachers suggested the use of chat, and an improvement to the
layout of the environment. Regarding the interaction between the course participants, and
with the technical staff, it was observed that all the tools proposed for the course were used,
but the diary and the portfolios were the most accessed, and the readings and ―discussion
forum‖ had the smallest number of accesses. It is concluded that the availability of ICTs, and
virtual learning environments alone does not guarantee an innovative practice or significant
learning. Rather, it seems that the use of technologies as a resource in continuing education,
especially in EE, will only be meaningful if combined with theoretical knowledge and the
adoption of innovative approaches for their use.
Keywords: Environmental Education; Virtual Learning environment - VLE; Learning
Experiences; Continuing Education.