Digital Platform e-Códex: A Hybrid Virtual Space

Abstract

Mobile learning is the kind of learning that applies mainly to non-formal education actions from the perspective of continuing education. Within the scope of companies, the demand for educational actions is increasing, notably focused on distance education and training, aimed at both internal and external audiences. However, for the implementation of activities dedicated to mobile learning, it is necessary to develop a digital platform to host the virtual learning environment. Under these conditions, it should be structured in a flexible format and design to encourage interactivity between learners and teachers in the implementation of teaching and learning activities. The article presents and discusses a proposal for a digital mobile platform, called e-Códex, which aims to support educational actions, to promote collaboration and learning, as well as to meet the information dissemination and knowledge generation needs of the Brazilian agroforestry sector. The research was carried out in two phases, the first one consisted of a review of the theoretical-conceptual literature on topics involving cyberspace, digital media and education in virtual spaces, in order to subsidize the development of a digital platform for support the educational actions within the scope of the Embrapa Special Forest Code Project. The second phase of the research consisted in the application of questionnaires to the members of the Special Forest Code Project to know their perceptions and interaction requirements, considered relevant in a digital virtual space, in order to favor horizontal and dialogic relations conducive to new learning. The analysis of the data pointed to the definition of essential elements of the platform design, associating with this, a set of functionalities capable of favoring aspects of interactivity, integration, sharing and exchange of information, knowledge and experiences inherent to virtual learning spaces. The e-Códex Platform incorporates aspects considered important by the research subjects, such as: the need for its creation, their main characteristics and contributions, the possibilities of use, and the forms of organization of the contents and activities offered.