Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um simulador para o ensino de eletrostática

Abstract

Tools that improve the learning process of subjects related to the exact sciences, especially those that require a high level of abstraction, has been the focus of studies by many researchers. The motivation for the development of these tools occurs mainly due to the difficulties presented by the students when they are approximate these contents, which are often treated using many theoretical tools, without any relation to the everyday student. In this way, the computer has played an important role in the design and development tools that may improve the teaching-learning process. In this work we present the steps related to the use and development of a simulator applied to electrostatic content, which permits to obtain the electric field to the ring geometry, disk and line, at any point in three-dimensional space. Other physical quantities such as Electrical Force, Work and the Electrical Potential can also be obtained through this simulator. Moreover, it was also carried out a focused study on a group of higher education students about the contributions that this computational tool can provide the teaching-learning process. In this way, we can note from this work, that the use of this computational tool collaborates in the teaching-learning process in electrostatic content, but can not be considered the only tool used as a teaching strategy. We consider that the teacher’s work the most important factor in conducting mediation of this process to ensure understanding of these contents by the students.