Remote Education in Times of Pandemic: reflections in the academic context

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the suspension of face-to-face educational activities at all levels, from basic to higher education. Following the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the São Paulo State Department of Health and without being able to maintain the usual teaching activities, students, teachers, and specialists had the opportunity to experience a new educational reality that had the technology and distance learning strategies as the main options available for maintaining the teaching and learning process throughout 2020. This article shares reflections, strategies and actions focusing on the potentialities of distance learning and remote education (RE).
First, we´ll present principles of teaching, learning and student assessment. The discussions did not fall on the use of technology and possible resources that can be used in the classroom, but on the possibilities of transformation of educational programs based on good practices, whether in face-to-face, distance or hybrid education. The article also discusses faculty development and scholarship aspects inside the institutions. Aspects related to technology,
infrastructure, human resources, and accessibility to distance education are emphasized. We also approach Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) as places that allow the provision of content and learning management; student assessment; review of institutional policy and rules of distance education as mechanisms that can ensure the pedagogical and curricular organization of the courses offered.