Aprendizagem baseada em projetos em uma perspectiva Stem: influências do design da interface para a usabilidade do Tinkercad na modelagem em impressão 3D com foco na interação entre estudante e ambiente digital

Abstract

This study investigates the influences of the interface design of the Tinkercad digital environment on project-based learning, from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) perspective. With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and the popularization of technologies such as 3D printing, it is necessary to restructure educational processes to meet new social and professional demands. The research analyzes how students' interaction with Tinkercad can contribute to the construction of conceptual, procedural and attitudinal knowledge, considering aspects of usability and digital affordances. Conducted in a school makerspace with 5th grade students from Londrina (PR), the research used a qualitative quantitative approach, through a case study. The collection instruments included questionnaires, screen recordings and direct observations during modeling activities for 3D printing. The analysis addressed the digital affordances perceived by the students and the usability of the environment, assessed by the System Usability Scale (SUS) instrument. The results indicate that Tinkercad's intuitive design favored student engagement and autonomy in developing projects. Improvements were identified in skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, which are essential for the challenges of the 21st century. The combination of project-based methodology with STEM teaching proved to be effective in stimulating autonomous reflection and problem-solving, boosting learning. It is concluded that digital environments with well-designed interfaces facilitate navigation, provide immediate feedback, and make the educational process more dynamic and aligned with students' needs. The integration of innovative digital technologies, such as Tinkercad, constitutes a significant opportunity to educate citizens who are prepared for a constantly changing job market and to build a more just and sustainable society.