Challenges of COVID-19 pandemic: The postgraduate case in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources - UIEP

Abstract

A generalized preventive measure in Mexico against the COVID-19 pandemic was the suspension of in-person non-essential activities, including academic activities. The Universidad Intercultural del Estado de Puebla (Intercultural University of the State of Puebla - UIEP) suspended all classroom course from March 20th, 2019, until the present day. The program of Master of Science in Sustainable Natural Resource Management has remained active in a digital format, facing the following challenges: the speedy implementation of a virtual and distance teaching-learning process; the optimization of computer resources in the face of the digital gap and limited access to these technologies in the region; and an efficient traceability of research processes. COVID-19 displayed the social and digital gap present in the rural areas of Mexico, such as in the case of Sierra Norte de Puebla, in which UIEP is enclaved. However, it also displayed the ability of response and adaptation in the face of the contingency scenario caused by SARS-CoV-2.