Ações extensionistas desenvolvidas em um centro de educação a distância de uma universidade pública federal

Abstract

The Aproxime-se extension program of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, in partnership with the Office of the Vice-Rector for Extension, has been providing educational activities since 2013 that help each Distance Learning (EaD) center become an active space for meetings, dissemination of knowledge, science, and technology, as well as educational and cultural activities. In addition, the program creates an environment for discussions of current topics, which allows the local population to reflect on issues of interest to them, strengthening the education of undergraduate students and the local community itself. In 2022, after a questionnaire was distributed in the program's partner communities to deepen the debate on educational demands raised as a result of the constant use of digital technologies in the classroom due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Active Methodologies became an especially relevant topic, as restrictions on physical contact and the use of technologies demanded more dynamic and interactive pedagogical approaches. By integrating digital technologies into the educational environment, educators were able to explore various strategies and tools to involve students more actively in the learning process. The objective of this paper is to report on the actions that took place in face-to-face events at distance learning centers on the theme “Introduction to Active Methodologies in Teaching and Learning Processes.” The audience, which was mostly made up of educators from the cities, learned strategies on how to develop games and conceptual maps aimed at improving stimulating pedagogical practices in the school environment. Participants evaluated the action positively, highlighting the potential of using these tools in the educational environment, contributing to the engagement and adherence of students to school knowledge. For the extension scholarship holders, the events provided an experience of teamwork, involving aspects linked to teaching, research and university extension.