Fernando Silvio Cavalcante Pimentel

MUNDOS VIRTUAIS E EDUCAÇÃO: DESAFIOS E POSSIBILIDADES

This paper presents an analysis of virtual worlds focused on the study of new methods for higher education. During the research, based on a webgraphic and analytical approach, we analyzed the characteristics of four virtual worlds, comparing them with the theory of connectivism and having as theoretical guides indications of the need for new methodologies that address the reality of the network society, from the study of Moita (2012), Mattar and Valente (2007), Alves (2008) and Mouri and Onrubia (2010). Results show that some virtual worlds allow more interaction than others, but also the possibility of use for specific educational purposes, such as engineering or architecture. Thus, the more interaction provided, the more learning. However, it is necessary to carry out other empirical studies using virtual worlds in everyday higher education, focusing on application of studies in this formative stage. The curriculum of teacher training should be reviewed and adapted, so that teachers are formed from skills that meet this reality of society. Keywords: connectivism; virtual worlds; higher education. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/19827199639