Characterization of Virtual Classes Development from the Perspective of College Professors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Considering the numerous difficulties faced in the educational field by professors during the pandemic, the researchers identified some effects such as those related to a new psycho-emotional competence habituation in the use of techno-virtuality. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to characterize the development of virtual classes from the perspective of the professors of the Universidad del Norte subsidiary Itá, Paraguay, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the type of research, it consisted of a non-experimental, mixed, descriptive, and cross-sectional one, in which the investigators employed techniques such as survey and observation. In terms of the study population, it consisted of 46 teachers. Furthermore, the results indicated that the use of technologies to develop educational activities produced didactic methodological variants for teachers and learning for students, both in the development of the topics and in the way of examining or verifying the acquisition of knowledge and achievement of objectives. When using different technological resources, the professors found difficulties such as the lack of previous preparation, poor connection or access to the Internet, and a longer time spent preparing classes. However, the virtual distance modality allowed progress in the educational field despite obstacles, resulting in a useful and convenient alternative in the learning process. Nonetheless, in order to achieve greater efficiency in teaching-learning a process of continuous and comprehensive improvement of this modality must be established.