Aplicando a computação física e o arduino para o apoio ao ensino de programação com base na abordagem motivacional ARCS: uma proposta de curso a distância com o uso de simulador

Abstract

Learning to program is often challenging for many people, especially in the early stages. In Computer Science courses, programming-related disciplines have high failure rates, resulting in students dropping out or avoinding such courses. In order to change this reality, studies aimed at understanding the problem and offering solutions are being elaborated, so the motivation is understood as being a key factor in this sense. Thus, one of the suggested alternatives is the use of PHYSICAL COMPUTING, through the Arduino platform, for teaching programming. The first refers to the practice of developing digital systems capable of interacting with the analog world. In turn the Arduino is a prototyping platform (open-source) that allows the implementation of such systems with minimal knowledge of electronics, so that users can focus on the programming aspect. PHYSICAL COMPUTING is commonly applied in robotics and automation projects, which involve programming learning. Therefore, it can be used in courses aimed at teaching programming, approaching practical projects, capable of conferring a ludic character that awakens attraction and engagement for studies. In addition, it is suggested the use of the ARCS model of motivational design to increase attractiveness. This model recommends that the motivation is conditioned by four elementary factors: attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction, which when satisfied contribute to the learning process. Such aspects can be stimulated in the context of PHYSICAL COMPUTING. After exploring the themes described, this dissertation proposes an online course to support teaching programming, using the Arduino platform in a simulator, based on the ARCS model of motivational design, as a way of reverberating the ideas presented. It is hoped that the work can contribute to the understanding and reflection of the topics, thus collaborating for alternatives that provide its resolution.