TPACK Model: Teachers’ Perceptions of Their Technological Competence When Conducting an Experimental Virtual Lesson in the Context of Covid-19

Background: One of the current concerns in the face of the changes and challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic is the quality of the education received in non-traditional environments such as virtual or hybrid teaching. Elements associated with this problem include the knowledge and skills that mathematics teachers use to work in these environments and to integrate them into mathematics education. Objectives: This investigation aimed to characterise the levels of technological competence self-perceived by mathematics teaching staff when planning and executing a virtual class. Design: A qualitative framework was used in an exploitative-descriptive approach. Setting and participants: This study is part of a doctoral research in which we sought to identify the knowledge demonstrated by three mathematics teachers when incorporating technology into a virtual class with 24 students. The TPACK model (domains and subdomains linked to technology) was used to achieve this. Data collection and analysis: The data was collected through an open-ended interview linked to the video recording of the class, and the analysis used was content analysis. Results: The main conclusion was that the teachers perceived the levels of their technological competence to be very high when implementing an experimental virtual class. Conclusions: It is suggested that their continuous professional development and, especially, having worked together in a team for several years is a possible factor that makes them feel more able to integrate technology in mathematics education. © 2022 Lutheran University of Brazil. All rights reserved.

Techniques and Tools for Conducting Virtual Tests in an E-Learning Model

E-learning has shown promising results during criti-cal circumstances such as natural disasters, wars, and pandemics like COVID 2019. Reliable, fair, and smooth execution of online exams in an e-learning model is very important. Online exams are taken on e-learning platforms without the physical presence of students and instructors in the same place. This rai-ses several issues like integrity and security during online exams. This research is focused on analyzing the techniques and tools for conducting virtual tests in an electronic learning model, which allow reducing the deficiencies and irregularities that have been re -ported by academic researchers in the virtual exam process. The study concludes that University pro-fessionals feel comfortable implementing e-learning as it provides opportunities to improve learning and increase the technological skills of teachers and students. However, they present greater difficulties when it comes to selecting and using tools for virtual testing in an e-learning model.

Co-creating a Teaching Module on the Impacts of COVID-19 on Various Transportation Systems and Stakeholders

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of life, including how we travel. As faculty members responsible for teaching infrastructure courses across four universities, the authors collaborated on creating a teaching module addressing this critical issue. The module focuses on the impacts of COVID-19 on different transportation systems from various stakeholder perspectives. The module was implemented in two universities (n = 25): Southern Methodist University (SMU) and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech, NMT) in fall 2020 and will be implemented again at other schools in fall 2021. This paper presents the results obtained during the first implementation of the COVID-19 teaching module during the fall semester of 2020 and addresses how instructors can enhance the module for future offerings. Findings from the module's implementation demonstrate increased knowledge and understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on different transportation systems from various stakeholder perspectives. SMU students' mean scores showed high post-evaluation scores, and NMT students' scores increased from pre to post evaluation. Additionally, the reflective writing assignment revealed students' awareness of various issues, including operational and economic impacts on operators and users. This paper offers contributions to our engineering community by focusing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 experience while providing recommendations for improving this co-create module. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2021

Neurologic manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A neuro-review of COVID-19

Background. In December 2019, multiple cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology surged in China. In January 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was the identified cause. The World Health Organization (WHO) defined the condition as "Coronavirus 2019 Disease" (COVID-19). In February, its presence was confirmed in South America and Ecuador. On March 11th, the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. This condition mainly afflicts the respiratory system. However, reports of neurological manifestations in confirmed COVID-19 p atients have recently emerged. Methods. Multiple databases were reviewed, the information was extracte d and analyzed independently by 3 authors. Results. Neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 were identified. Including: myalgia, headache, altered mental status, cerebrovascular events, dizziness, hypogeusia, hyposmia, neuropathic pain, visual impairment, ataxia, seizures, Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, Acute Hemorrhagic Necrotizing Encephalopathy, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), meningitis and encephalitis.Conclusion. COVID-19 is associated with neurological involvement. It is most frequently observed in cases that are severe, atypical, and with comorbidities. Health care providers and neurologists alike, must remain alert and keep high suspicion of severity when these manifestations are present. Timely recognition might help initiate early treatment and isolation, preventing clinical decline and viral spread.