Abstract:

The COVID-19 crisis is radically changing the way teaching is delivered at all levels of the education system: primary, secondary and university education. At the University, because of the intrinsic characteristics of more mature students, with greater computer skills and more available means, a change of mindset towards less face-to-face teaching and with greater support in virtual learning environments is being developed.

However, this process was initiated suddenly and with little training or equipment, in March 2020, when the State of Alarm was declared in Spain. A process that was initially going to last 15 days, was extended for three months, forcing to continue during this period the online teaching and what was more complicated, the evaluation.

This experience focuses on the course: Geotechnical Engineering, in the fourth year of the Bachelor´s Degree in Civil Engineering. It is a subject of 3 ECTS, with two hours of class per week, with a significant practical workload, and an evaluation system focused on collecting evidence on this practical part. The number of students enrolled is small, with great academic background, advanced computer training, with internet access and appropriate computer equipment.

Teaching is carried out by a single lecturer, which in this situation facilitated the decision-making process. Prior to the declaration of the state of alarm, the lecturer had participated in several courses on how to use new elements of technology and communication, to apply them to non-face-to-face teaching. The equipment and software available at home were medium level, but that was enough for the development of the activities proposed.

The online teaching experience was satisfactory, both from the academic results point of view and from the participation of the students, who were especially devoted to the course and its development.

Keywords:

Virtual learning environment, COVID-19, online, higher education, confinement.