Postgraduate virtual education in the times of COVID-19

Abstract

Almost all countries in the world have implemented policies of social isolation, as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This measure restricted face-to-face classes, promoting distance education at all educational levels. The Graduate Unit of Education Sciences, Hermilio Valdizan National University, Peru, took advantage of its resources to implement distance education two weeks after the isolation began. The present study aims to interpret the experiences lived by students and teachers in the implementation of virtual education in times of COVID-19, which is why the phenomenological-hermeneutical method was used and the interview was conducted in depth. From the categorization process, it stands out that virtual education is a new pedagogical experience for teachers and students; it implies responsibility, commitment and initiative; it demands more time from teachers to prepare academic materials; videoconference allows student-teacher interaction in real time, also through it, moods and feelings can be transmitted; The main difficulty was not having internet and optimal computer equipment; The challenge is to design and run blended classes with all conditions, including teachers and students with a new profile.