Ensino da língua brasileira de sinais e formação deprofessores a distância

This study is based on recognition of the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) in 2002, and the need for investment in initial and continuing training of teachers to work with deaf students, considering the Libras as their natural language of communication. Amidst this context, this research, both qualitative and quantitative, aims at investigating and analyzing the contributions of the course Librasnet as a tool for the continuing education of teachers in the public schools of seventeen municipalities in Brazil, from September 2007 to April 2008. The Librasnet is part of the project, Professor and deafness: crossing paths, with new eyes , proposed by the Federal University of Uberlandia, and approved by the Ministry of Education (MEC) and Department of Special Education (SEESP) in 2007. The course was taught on a platform of distance education, through resources of animation in two dimensions, showing signs of 1000 Libras in context, and methodological and theoretical discussions concerning deafness and education of deaf people. We analyzed the data of participation, evaluation and completion of the course by 96 people, who, in their majority, did not know the Libras and did not work with deaf students, but were seeking in this way, theoretical and practical knowledge that could give support to their teaching activities. The main points mentioned related to the use of Librasnet as a tool for teacher training were: the methodology used the environment of interactive learning and entertainment, and the teaching of Libras in context. To 100% of the participants the course was an opportunity of new knowledge such as basic vocabulary of Libras, the peculiarities involved in the education of deaf people and the extension and/or revision of concepts, knowledge and educational practices. The final evaluation, expressed by the participants, indicated that the course met their expectations, arousing their interest for the learning and deepening of Libras in education of deaf peo...