Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak: Virtual Teaching Time

The Coronavirus outbreak was a disruptive event at all levels, education among them. The Universidad de la Republica responded fast by switching to virtual classes instead of face-to-face ones, when possible.The Reading Comprehension in English courses that are given at the Facultad de Odontologia and the Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educacion were two of the courses that were offered in the online format. Classes were given through videoconference platforms, and different resources were shared through the VLE platform of the university. Eighty-six students completed the two courses (fortyfour at the Facultad de Odontologia and forty-two at the Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educacion). By applying a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative) questionnaire, students' considerations regarding the transmission of knowledge through the online course were analyzed. Most students stated that the course's aims could be fulfilled and that they could use the technological tools correctly. Some of them mentioned that face-to-face classes are needed to socialize with peers and professors and it is understood that this is an area in need of analysis and improvement. It is concluded that the results collected concerning these unexpected teaching experiences show the potential of these courses; more online courses may be offered increasing the amount of diverse options of study for students.