Assessment practices in virtual learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to presence

Abstract

The research was carried out within the framework of the analysis of evaluation practices in virtual learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to the presence of students of the María Serrana de Asunción Higher Education Center in Paraguay. It was a non-experimental, descriptive and cross-sectional field study; With this, it was sought to know the perception of the students regarding the evaluation activities during the pandemic and their opinion about the return to school activities under the face-to-face modality. A population of 250 Middle Level students was included, obtaining the sample by applying non-probability, convenience and voluntary sampling, being made up of 60 students. The questionnaire was prepared in Google Forms and applied via email with the informed consent of the parents or representatives of the students. The results showed that there were various difficulties for a meaningful evaluation of teaching practices in virtual environments from internet connections to relevant training for the appropriate use of both ICT and the tools they provide. Regarding evaluation strategies and activities such as written reports or oral tests, the study subjects indicated that they were poorly developed with unclear instructions and little feedback. The students' perception of returning to face-to-face classes was very positive since they could share with other classmates. They considered that as alternatives of evaluation practices under the virtual distance modality, collaborative projects and questions could be done during class. Training in evaluation activities in virtual learning environments for teachers is recommended, but with a participatory or intervention approach.