Competências do professor para o ensino online: análise de um curso de capacitação de docentes em EaD

Abstract

The introduction of Open and Distance Learning in face-to-face institutions brings about challenges for teachers because ODL requires new competences. According to authors like Berge (1995), Palloff & Pratt (2000), and Lynch (2002), teachers need new competences to interact with students and use technologies. This article presents the different competences of a higher education ODL teacher as a result of a study carried out in two training programs offered through ODL to prepare teachers to teach in ODL. The research was carried out at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. 16 teachers participated in the study. For data collection we used questionnaires, group interviews and messages in the discussion forum, chat messages, internal and external e-mail messages in the LMS, and the diary. Teachers’ perceptions of competences varied according to previous experience. Those who had some ODL teaching practice present the competences according to lived experiences whereas those that only had had training in ODL and no teaching experience in this mode identified them through training. This study concluded that 18 competences are required to teach in ODL, here aggregated in 5 broader ones, like Scientific, Pedagogical, Technological, Learning to learn, Teamwork. These competences can serve as a basis for improving ODL teacher training methodologies, certification of competences and identification of the UEM and partner institutions ODL teacher profiles. We recommend teachers to take courses that envisage the development of ODL competences and professional development, such as teaching, readings about ODL, participation in ODL training/seminars, and research in ODL and ICT.