“This online education challenge is a historic moment”: Rector of Tec

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, Tec students will be taking more than 55,000 online class sessions per week

By Lorena Morales | CONECTA News Desk - 03/20/2020

David Garza, Rector ofTec de Monterrey, believes that the institution will face one of its biggest challenges in the area of online learning in the days to come.

The Tec has suspended its onsite classes due to preventive measures for avoiding the spread of COVID-19. On March 23, it began giving online classes to all its students.

“This flexible digital model will enable the academic continuity of more than 90,000 students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and high school levels,” said the rector.

Because of the global challenge we’re experiencing due to this pandemic, Garza emphasized that the Tec’s teachers and staff have been working incredibly hard over the previous days to adapt their courses and give support to students. He said it was a historic moment.

“Every week, more than 55,000 class sessions will be given by 10,000 teachers: this is the size of the challenge we’re facing today,” said the rector in a message that he shared on social media.

“This flexible digital model will enable the academic continuity of more than 90,000 students.”

FLEXIBLE DIGITAL MODEL

100 percent of students at high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels will be studying this way, which is based on digital experiences already implemented by the Tec.

“As an institution, we have experience in the use of technologies and pedagogies for learning in these environments,” reiterated the rector.

To this end, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Innovation at the Tec reported that there will be follow-up and guidance by teachers through remote interaction tools in addition to online class sessions.

Students will also have access to videos, infographics, tutorials, and presentations as part of the resources they can consult.

CHALLENGES TO TACKLE

The Tec already has 30 years’ experience in distance learning programs, but the challenge now lies in simultaneously providing all of its courses online at all levels.

For instance, it’s estimated that there will be more than 1,700 class sessions at the same time during peak class hours.

“The scale, connectivity where each student is located, and evolution of the pandemic itself may give rise to situations beyond our control,” said the rector.

“We’ll be adapting and making the necessary adjustments to provide the best possible experience. We’re extremely grateful for your understanding,” he added in his message to the students.