Construção e validação de um aplicativo para identificação de insetos

Abstract

This applied, descriptive, and exploratory study, adopting a qualitative–quantitative approach, aimed to develop and validate an interactive mobile application compatible with the Android operating system for the taxonomic identification of insects of the superclass Hexapoda using a digital dichotomous key. Framed within the context of pedagogical innovation and science popularization, the application was designed as a didactic tool for teaching taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity, particularly in Entomology and Invertebrate Zoology courses. The system was developed using the FLUTTER® platform and integrates a dynamic image database, an illustrated glossary, and a responsive interface based on usability and user experience (UX/UI) principles. The methodology involved requirements analysis, UML-based modeling, incremental implementation, and empirical validation. The validation phase included a technical evaluation conducted by nine experts and practical tests with 70 undergraduate students enrolled in Biological Sciences and Agronomy programs at the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Santa Helena and Dois Vizinhos campuses. Participants were subjected to a crossover experimental design in which both the printed key and the mobile application were used across six distinct insect identification tasks. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, which confirmed the normality of differences in identification times (p > 0.05), followed by paired Student’s t-tests. The results revealed statistically significant differences between the printed key and the application in all six applications, as well as in the overall analysis (p < 0.01), indicating a consistent reduction in identification time when using the application. Overall, mean identification times using the printed key ranged from approximately 6 to 17 minutes, whereas times using the application ranged from about 1.5 to 5 minutes, with lower variability observed for the digital tool. No identification errors were recorded when using the application, while errors occurred with the printed key. Qualitative evaluation included an 11-item four-point Likert-scale questionnaire, which demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.98). High user acceptance was observed, with unanimous preference for the application. Content analysis of open-ended responses indicated positive perceptions regarding clarity, ease of use, logical structure, image support, and time efficiency, alongside minor suggestions for improvement. The findings confirm the potential of the application as an innovative educational technology for Biology education, enhancing efficiency in taxonomic identification, promoting meaningful learning, and supporting broader access to scientific knowledge, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.