–Given the challenges faced by educational institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, declared by the World Health Organization, the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (Inter) It quickly established preventive measures and put into effect a comprehensive protocol to face the coronavirus pandemic throughout its educational system. Its more than twenty-five years of experience in distance education with the highest quality standards, added to its leadership as the institution in Puerto Rico with the largest number of fully online programs, helped both the university community and those interested In entering the university, they were participants in an effective transition towards the new reality of virtuality.
Inter’s experience in the face of the pandemic
Among the multiple efforts developed in tune with the needs of the university community, special emphasis was placed on virtual classrooms, support centers, Inter Online TV, simulators and modalities. At the same time, resources were highlighted to continue strengthening the training culture.
Virtual classrooms
In just two weeks, more than 8,500 face-to-face sections were converted into virtual classrooms supported by Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and Blackboard Learn.
Support centers
Given the need to address the various situations that arose, a robust plan was worked on to strengthen the institution’s support centers and strengthen the technological infrastructure. Quick work was done to increase WiFi access and the provision of laptops and “Hotspots”.
Inter Online TV
As a unique initiative among educational institutions, the Inter Online TV project was developed to broadcast, through a Liberty channel, general education courses and the technical careers program (InterTec). The project will support students who wish to strengthen their skills, especially those who do not have access to the Internet. The project also involved the programming of the courses in electronic media, such as YouTube.
Simulators
The number of simulators was increased for the health sciences areas and the natural sciences laboratories.
Various modalities
A plan was developed to guide students and the university community on the various study modalities available during the beginning of the new semester of the 2020-2021 academic year: virtual, hybrid and 100% online.
Strong culture of training: workshops and certified teachers
Given the need to develop training workshops with the aim of adapting academic offerings to the new reality, during the months of March to June, more than 30 workshops were taught by virtual means (synchronously) in areas related to virtual pedagogy. A total of 2,259 teachers in repeat counting were trained in the use of virtual rooms for videoconferences. In addition, 412 professors obtained the institutional certification of Fundamentals of Design and Teaching in Virtual Learning Environments.
The Inter American University of Puerto Rico is an example of how a centennial institution reinforces its commitment to educational development in times of great challenges and guarantees a culture of continuous training. At the same time, it recognizes the importance of innovation in design and instruction in online learning environments. This is how the institution continues at a steady pace in the search for educational solutions in Puerto Rico, the United States, Panama, Latin America and the world.
For more than 25 years, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico has been a leader in distance education with the greatest variety of academic programs completely online. It has 67 academic programs completely online between associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, masters, doctorates and professional certificates.
Inter has a solid technological and administrative infrastructure that allows it to serve more than 9,800 online sections with support on virtual platforms. In addition, it offers more than 875 courses completely online.
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The nine academic units around the Island are authorized by the Board of Postsecondary Institutions of Puerto Rico and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, to offer online programs. The university has virtual support rooms, assisted by Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, for the more than 275 face-to-face academic programs.
Moreover, Inter guarantees a culture of continuous training validated by certified teachers in design and instruction in online learning environments. And it offers online academic and student support services through video tutorials, study guides in virtual environments, technological support, library services, mentoring, professional counseling, chaplaincy and others.
The UIPR is licensed by the Board of Post-Secondary Institutions of Puerto Rico and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
