SUPERANDO O DESAFIO PEDAGÓGICO NO ENSINO DE PO: DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM LABORATÓRIO DIGITAL PARA O MÉTODO SIMPLEX E BRANCH-AND-BOUND

Abstract

Operational Research (OR) is a fundamental discipline for the computer science field, but its teaching faces significant pedagogical barriers. Central algorithms, such as the Simplex Method and Branch-and-Bound (B&B), are abstract, and students often fail to connect the mechanical execution of the algorithms (algebra) with the conceptual intuition (ge- ometry) that underpins them. Existing educational tools, like SIMO, although relevant, present critical limitations: they operate on client-side architectures, impose a barrier to entry by requiring the manual insertion of problems in matrix form, and promote passive engagement (Level 2, Viewing). This work proposes the development of an interactive, open-source web-based educational tool to assist in the teaching and learning of the Sim- plex Method and Branch-and-Bound. The solution addresses the identified gaps through three central innovations: (1) Technological Innovation, with a modern server-side archi- tecture using Python and Streamlit, which decouples the computational logic from the interface; (2) Pedagogical Innovation, through the implementation of a Library of Edita- ble Classic Problems that fosters Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL); and (3) Visual-Analytical Integration, which synchronizes the algebraic execution of the tableau with the geometric visualization of the feasible region in 2D and 3D. Additionally, the system incorporates Post-Optimization Analysis tools, automatically generating the Dual Problem and Sensi- tivity Analysis reports. This approach provides the necessary resources to foster student engagement at Level 4 (Changing) of Naps’ taxonomy, overcoming the modeling barrier to entry and enabling a holistic understanding of optimization problems.