Phytopathology teaching teaching during COVID-19: UNA Costa Rica case

Abstract

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been a challenge when it comes to teaching at a university level, and particularly when teaching plant pathology. As preventive strategies, lockdown and social distancing have been generalized in all countries. In Costa Rica, universities suspended in-person classes beginning in March 2020, and implemented virtual teaching-learning processes for bachelor’s and postgraduate students. However, every course/professor has designed the virtual teaching strategies and models according to the socio-educational realities of the group. The teaching of plant pathology in Agronomy bases its teaching methods in laboratory practices and commercial productive units. This article presents strategies and regulations implemented by the National University of Costa Rica and applied to university teaching and reflects upon the achievements reached and the challenges in the plant pathology education in its virtual form.