Virtual classes in hindsight: thoughts about teaching general chemistry at during social distancing protocols

Abstract

Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic has placed higher education in a complex situation, forcing it to update the models and ways of teaching. In this article we revisit our experiences teaching General Chemistry. We show the pedagogical decisions taken about the transition to virtual classes during the first semester of 2020. During this period it was needed to prioritize contents and modes in teaching in the new virtual classroom in order to make rich learning experiences for our students to ensure the acquisition of knowledge needed for first year university students in scientific and technological careers such as Chemistry.