REFLECTIONS ON VIRTUAL EDUCATION IN BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Distance education arises from the need to provide training to students who have difficulties attending classroom training. This learning method was and is used not only as an auxiliary and/or complementary tool, but also as an effective learning that helps people of any age and gender. In the fields of biological and agricultural sciences, its application offers specific opportunities and challenges. This study aimed to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of Virtual Education (VE) recognized by students and teachers of these university fields, to know their experiences and opinions regarding the incorporation of this modality in undergraduate training, and to critically reflect on the teaching-learning process in virtual environments. To achieve these objectives, 75 open and closed-response online surveys were carried out with undergraduate students and teachers of Agronomy and Biology majors. 72% of those surveyed considered a mixed modality feasible, where practical activities (field and/or laboratory) being in-person and theoretical activities (including consultation classes and midterm assessments) being delivered online. However, there is a clear need to adopt pedagogical techniques that promote better communication and interaction between teachers and students, as well as among peers.