USE OF DIGITAL MICROSCOPY IMAGES IN THE TEACHING OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: ASSESSMENT OF THE MOTIVATION AND PROFICIENCY OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The teaching of Biology in schools is very important in the education of students, as it contributes to the development of a solid and comprehensive understanding of living beings  and the biological processes that occur in the natural world. The importance of Biology can be highlighted in three main aspects: scientific knowledge, student motivation and practical classes. Considering these aspects, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of using digital microscopy and printed boards in Biology classes, for high school students, in relation to motivation and immediate learning. The methodology involved a theoretical class on the chosen topic, which was HPV and cervical cancer, followed by practical classes using digital microscopy images and printed plates. Students responded to tests and an understanding that assessed learning and motivation after the interventions. The study allowed us to verify that students' motivation is greater when there is a practical part and the use of microscope images to relate the content, digital microscopy and printed slides cause a high motivation in students who do not have experience and the importance of developing innovative and facilitating tools in the teaching of Biological Sciences. Thus, it is concluded that microscopy, in both forms used in the experiment, is a motivating factor and has a favorable cost, leaving the school to opt for the use of printed boards or digital microscopy, considering its reality.