INTEC is committed to quality virtual education
El Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo has trained its teachers in academies such as the Benito Juárez University of Mexico, the University of Seville, the National University of Distance Education (UNED), and the Organization of American States (OAS) and has relied on the renowned company Quality Matters to guarantee the quality of your virtual classes
SANTO DOMINGO. - The Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), committed to strengthening its virtual education modality, has implemented the training of its teachers in the design of 100% virtual subjects. The program is based on the use of Quality Matters (QM) quality standards for instructional design. QM is the world's leading organization that provides tools to ensure the quality of virtual and blended courses and learning experiences.
Zobeida Ramírez, director of Learning Resources, indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the use of technology for teaching is viable, “but its emergency and remote implementation does not necessarily equate to a quality virtual experience.” In that sense, she highlighted that the Academic Development Division has worked hard to train teachers, even during the first days of the pandemic when the transition from in-person to virtuality had to be done almost abruptly.
“Although before the pandemic, important advances had been made in the virtual modality at INTEC, the confinement resulted in the number of subjects in the virtual classroom increasing from 906 to 1872, in just two weeks. At the same time, 528 teachers were trained in the use of technological resources. Thanks to these efforts, INTEC was able to continue its classes in total virtual mode, without losing a single day of classes,” he recalled.
Currently, in collaboration with the Benito Juárez University of Mexico, the University of Seville, in Spain; the National University of Distance Education (UNED), and the Organization of American States (OAS), INTEC has trained teachers in virtual education and instructional design, who, after completing their training, embark on the process of designing the subject they teach. in virtuality, with the accompaniment of INTEC instructional designers.
When referring to Instructional design, Ramírez pointed out that it is a systematic approach to creating effective and efficient learning experiences. This involves planning, application of pedagogical principles, development of educational materials, selection of technologies, construction of appropriate evaluation methods, interaction strategies; all aligned with the competencies and resources of the expected learning reflected in the academic program of the subject approved by Curricular Development.
So far, as a result of these efforts, more than 80 subjects designed specifically for virtual environments have been developed since 2022. “This year we are committed to carrying out the instructional design of 25 more courses that meet the QM quality standard,” indicated Luisa Taveras, dean of the Academic Development Division.
“Our goal is the development of a quality online teaching model closely aligned with the demands of today's world that fosters a flexible, interactive and collaborative learning environment so that students can have an enriching educational experience that transcends physical limitations. ”said Taveras.
Taveras and Ramírez pointed out that, to guarantee the quality of virtual teaching, the Academic Vice-Rector's Office established strict requirements, including that the virtual modality teachers be certified and that the subject complies with the QM evaluation rubric. In addition, it promotes a culture of continuous improvement through communities of practice where teachers can share and improve their pedagogical practices in the face of virtuality.
Guaranteed success
Teacher Yuliana Luis, from the Area of Social Sciences and Humanities, considers that working on her subject under the instructional design model has allowed her to make significant progress regarding her students' interest in the content, in addition to guaranteeing greater planning. “From the beginning the students know what the step by step of the subject will be, all the assignments, readings… everything is there,” she said.
Likewise, Ingrid González, from the Economics Area, participated in the training on instructional design of one of the subjects she teaches and according to her testimony the change has been “from heaven to earth” in all her subjects, whether virtual or in-person. “I apply the concepts learned, because I have verified that by following the instructional design I achieve more organization of the contents, greater student participation and I have the guarantee of the rubric to measure the scope of the contents,” she said.
Ramírez indicated that the university is aware that investing in the quality of virtual education not only benefits online students, but also improves the educational experience in face-to-face modalities. “We are committed to leading the digital transformation in higher education and ensuring that every student has access to quality education.”