Social networks within the framework of educational sustainability in times of pandemic

The impact of an educational guidance program through social networks on three dimensions related to the COVID- 19 pandemic was evaluated, in subjects living in the urban area of the province of Chachapoyas, Peru, during the period September-December 2020. The program consisted of in the dissemination through social networks of up-todate scientific information on the etiology, prevention and therapy of the disease, and the transfer of mental techniques to protect emotional health, through accessible and enjoyable communication strategies. The dimensions studied were level of knowledge about the pandemic, care and preventive measures, and the management of emotional health, using a 12-item Likert-type instrument that was applied before and after the execution of the program. The scores achieved by each of the dimensions were compared, those observed between the dimensions, and the uniformity of the opinions of the subjects in each dimension was also measured both before and after. An increase in the score was found in each of the dimensions after the application of the program, being statistically significant for the management of emotional health. Significant differences were observed in the scores between the three dimensions both before and after, with greater force in that of care and preventive measures. The program also produced uniformity in the opinions of the subjects on each of the dimensions. These results suggest that the transfer of knowledge and healthy methods through social networks to teach people to take care of COVID-19 is a viable and potentially sustainable strategy.

Mathematics education students’ experiences during lockdown: Managing collaboration in elearning

The current world crisis of COVID‐19 has enforced international lockdowns in educational institutions, necessitating that these institutions quickly transition to online learning. In mathematics education studies, where collaborative problem‐solving is considered a necessary pedagogical approach, lecturers have had challenges incorporating collaborative problem‐solving in an authentic manner. There are now also complex living and learning contexts in which the students have to undertake their learning processes. This paper examines students’ experiences of the rapid transition to online learning and their perceptions of the advantages and barriers that ensued. A small comparative case study was used to explore the complexity of the situation, within rich, authentic settings. Questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews were used. The participants found that personal circumstances related to having children and partners at home while they studied, and aspects such as not interacting directly with other students to clarify and mediate their thinking, led to major initial frustrations with collaborating. While some of these continued throughout lockdown they did adjust and recognize that the advantages, such as a mix of formal and informal digital pedagogical media, gave them greater flexibility and led to deeper reflective thinking. We contend that some elements related to the adaptions made should become permanent features of face‐to‐face learning. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Reducing potential aerosol generation in flexible nasolaryngoscopy: a novel method.

BACKGROUND: Fibre-optic nasoendoscopy and fibre-optic laryngoscopy are high-risk procedures in the coronavirus disease 2019 era, as they are potential aerosol-generating procedures. Barrier protection remains key to preventing transmission. METHODS: A device was developed that patients can wear to reduce potential aerosol contamination of the surroundings. CONCLUSION: This device is simple, reproducible, easy to use, economical and well-tolerated. Full personal protection equipment should additionally be worn by the operator.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in post-laryngectomy patients: case series of four patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of diagnosis, investigation and management in patients who had undergone laryngectomy secondary to previous squamous cell carcinoma, who were subsequently infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. CASE REPORTS: Four post-laryngectomy patients with laboratory-proven severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection were admitted to our institution from 1 March to 1 May 2020. All patients displayed symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 and underwent investigations, including swab and serum sampling, and chest X-ray where indicated. All were managed conservatively on dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 wards and were discharged without the requirement of higher level care. CONCLUSION: It is hypothesised that laryngectomy may offer a protective effect against severe or critical disease in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. We hope sharing our experience will aid all practitioners in the management of this, often intimidating, cohort of patients.