Contribuição e avaliação de uma ferramenta de apoio ao ensino de otimização linear

In this paper we examine the contributions of the “Calculadora para Otimização Linear” (Calculadora LOpt) to be inserted as a tool to support the teaching and learning process of the operational research discipline. The study involved a coordinating teacher, a student, two teachers who applied the questionnaire to students from different courses of two private higher education institutions in the state of Goiás in Brazil. A questionnaire was developed, which was applied in two graduation groups constituted of 81 participants. The analysis and interpretations of the data generated evidence that the use of software in solving linear optimization problems through the simplex method contributes significantly to the teaching and learning process of this discipline, since it facilitates problem solving and creates an interactive learning environment.