COVID-19 symptoms can be very mild to severe, and include a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Due to the high contamination rates, WHO (World Health Organization) classified Coronavirus and COVID-19 a pandemic, advising people to stay at their homes and recommending governments around the world to take measures to decrease the contagion. So, since March 17th, classes at UNESPAR have been suspended.

But you are wrong if you think classes are not happening – they are! They are being carried out via online platforms– Moodle, e-mail and/or WhatsApp groups. The teachers are sending activities of their respective disciplines to be done as homework, and these activities are going to count as presence. Together with the activities, the teachers send handouts, audio and some of them record videos explaining the content and the activity. These resources are helping the students to understand the content well. Also, Skype is used to conduct discussions and presentations.

We asked some students from the course about the distant classes, and here are some of their responses.

Fernanda, from the 3rd year, exposes some problems about it:

“The period of distant classes, when we are using online platforms to send activities has been quite complicated, considering that many students didn’t know the Moodle platform and are having some difficulties to access the proposed activities. There is also a variety in accessibility, as some students have a good connection and are able to participate in video classes that some professors suggest, while others feel more and more delayed and frustrated with them, since some professors can express how the activities must be done with objectivity, but others turn it even more difficult to comprehend.”

Vanessa, from the 4th year, also has some difficulties:

“About the online classes, I have some difficulties because if I get a doubt, I can’t solve it at the moment; besides, the explanations are more compact and can be hard to understand. However, I understand that considering the circumstances this is the only way to keep up the activities. I also have some difficulties dealing with the Moodle platform, and maybe it difficulties the understanding of how some activities must be done.”

Hugo, from the 2nd year, has a diverged opinion:

“Particularly I don’t get along with distance learning, but I see that it is the best to do so we don’t lose what we’ve been studying so far. As for the Moodle platform, I am finding it easy to use, only the first access seemed a little confusing. To find the courses, it’s a bit complicated, since this function is at the bottom of the page and it’s necessary to type and search every discipline, so I see that it would be better if it were for courses in a more organized way. Regarding the activities, I am finding quite interesting that the professors are providing them during the class timetable and remaining available to solve doubts.”

Rodolfo, from the 3rd year, has some great tips to study online:

“Changing the way that you’ve studying for years isn’t easy. This is the first time that I deal more intensely with distance learning and, until now, it hasn’t been so difficult. I have a good internet connection and I no technical problems. The Moodle platform has been working well, sometimes it’s a little slow, but nothing that patient doesn’t solve. Moodle and Google classroom are very alike, although I think the second one is faster and more practical since you don’t need to create Word files (you just have to create an online file). I think the biggest challenge is to create a routine to stay active and complete the proposed activities. As well as I did in University, I usually study at night and focus not to get out of the subjects and do something else. I find it interesting and productive to do the activities with a classmate, chatting via WhatsApp or other means. It also works for me to establish goals like: I will do these activities and then I can watch a movie or tv series. The secret is to not accumulate tasks and, if possible, deliver them a day or two before the deadline.”