Mastering Of Hypermedia Resources By Virtual Learning Communities: Possibilities And Constraints For Interaction, Communication And Construction Of Network Knowledge

The purpose of this paper is to present the procedures and some of the results from the investigation on the use of hypermedia resources for the construction of network knowledge. These resources, available in a distance learning support environment, are used for the process of interaction and production of knowledge through a virtual learning community (VLC) under formation. This VLC aims at providing a collaborative environment equipped with multimedia resources focused on information, communication and continuing education for community health agents[1], as well as nurses, physicians, teachers and other people who work in public establishments which offer access to Information and Communication Technologies in the city of Pedreira in the countryside of São Paulo. In this context, collaborative learning situations are shaped where users/learners master procedures, strategies and multimedia resources available and make “products” using audiovisual aids. The “products” are presented, discussed and revised by the group to be later distributed to and shared with the relevant community. Based on such activities, it was possible to understand that the use of audiovisual aids in virtual learning environments (i.e., tools which enable different forms of expression and the establishment of the distance communication among people on the Web through the joint use of visual and sound components) are able to boost the learning process by overcoming the training constraints typically found in traditional models and thus expanding the range of possibilities for the construction of knowledge.