Challenges of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: perspective of Psychology students, Oriental Multidisciplinary Faculty, University of El Salvador, 2021

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of El Salvador carried out its educational activities in virtual mode. This article aims to learn about the experience of fourth-year students of the Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, who during cycle II of the year 2021, studied the subject Diagnosis and Psychotherapy of Minor Psychological Alterations II, through a virtual modality. The methodology used was qualitative of an exploratory type with a phenomenological approach. The narrative technique was used. An open questionnaire was developed that explores the dimensions of the students’ experience, advantages and disadvantages related to the virtual, as well as professional goals. The data collection method was the online survey. For the analysis, the information was coded taking into consideration the dimensions of interest. The result obtained shows that in the experience of the subject positive aspects predominate in general, considering it in general as: satisfactory, good, excellent, extensive, interesting, enriching, gratifying, profitable, and enjoyable. Among the advantages that were identified, the following stands out: promotion of autonomy, responsibility, self-taught training together with saving money and time, development of new skills for managing platforms; as disadvantages are, failures in the internet connection, interference from family members, housework, lack of interest and isolation. Career goals are to graduate and earn a graduate degree.