Ensino prático de genética e biologia molecular com aplicação de uma ferramenta bioinformática: experiência com licenciandos em biologia

Abstract

This study investigated the use of bioinformatics tools as a didactic resource in teaching genetics and molecular biology, aiming to understand their formative potential in the Biological Sciences Teacher Education program. The objective was to evaluate how the practical application of GenBank and MEGA software can contribute to conceptual learning, the development of investigative skills, and students’ perception of the use of digital technologies in education. The research, applied in nature, with a mixed-methods approach and exploratory interventionist design, was conducted with 15 graduating students. The intervention took place over four sessions, involving theoretical classes and practical activities for genetic data collection, sequence alignment, and phylogenetic tree construction. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics with content analysis of open-ended responses. Results indicated an overall improvement in performance, especially in items related to the perceived usefulness of the tools and the integration between theory and practice. Qualitative reports revealed enthusiasm, motivation, and recognition of the pedagogical value of bioinformatics. Despite some limitations, such as the short duration of the intervention, it is concluded that the planned and guided use of these tools can enrich teacher education, making science teaching more dynamic, contextualized, and aligned with contemporary educational demands.