Tec de Monterrey begins new semester with flexible format for pandemic

Tecnológico de Monterrey returned to classes on Monday for the August-December semester, using a flexible and adaptable model designed for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Close to 90,000 undergraduate, PrepaTec and postgraduate students returned to classes using the HyFlex+Tec model, which gave them the opportunity to decide between 100% distance-learning or a hybrid format.

In the hybrid format, some classes may gradually have face-to-face activity during the semester, as permitted by the Health Alert System in each state.

The Tec’s rector and executive president, David Garza, shared with CONECTA how the Tec has strengthened its flexible digital model for this situation.

“The model doesn’t just focus on classes: the HyFlex+Tec is a whole environment.

“For instance, there are also remote Leadership and Student Development (LiFE) activities including sports, art, culture, and emotional support for students. All this makes for a very enriching experience.”

AN INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL MODEL FOR STUDENTS

David Garza said that, beyond the digital education to which all institutions have had to migrate, the Tec has sought to develop an integrated model for the entire student experience, guided by a robust educational philosophy.

He highlighted, for example, the training that has been given to all teachers so they are able to adapt their classes in the best possible way, the Tec’s decades-long experience of distance learning, and the importance of socio-emotional care.

“We’ve invested a lot of time and effort in Educational Innovation and technologies which support this context.

“At the heart of this are the teachers: their capacity, commitment and enthusiasm (...) they’ve also had training in pedagogical aspects and the use of technological tools.

“We’re ready to return, in hybrid or distance-learning formats. I think we’re 140% prepared for going back to classes,” he said.

Elements included in the HyFlex+Tec model:

• Pedagogical and technological training for teachers 
• Cultural, sports and developmental activities through LiFE@Home
• The Boost your Skills platform to enhance new skills
• Community outreach programs 
• Socio-emotional support through the Taking Care of Your Mind program and the free TQueremos helpline
• Adaptation of facilities to meet the requirements of COVID-19 preventative measures (when face-to-face activities can take place in each state)

IN THE NEW NORMAL, WE WILL ALL HAVE TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER

“I’ve heard the analogy that we started a race that we thought was going to be 400 meters, but which turned into a marathon, and we’re not quite sure which kilometer we’re at,” Garza tells CONECTA.

“So, my advice and my recommendation is to be aware that, at the end of the day, there is a goal and we are going to achieve something,” he says, to encourage students and teachers.

For students, he suggested focusing on personal growth and making progress in their studies, while for teachers, their commitment to leading the students to that goal.

He also asked teachers, students and employees to seek help if they feel tired, stressed, etc., by taking advantage of the free resources provided by the Tec for those situations.

“We’ve invested a lot of time and effort in Educational Innovation and technologies that support this context.”

In terms of COVID-19 prevention, Garza invited everyone to be conscientious and reflect on preventative measures by taking care of themselves, both as individuals and as part of the community.

“Sometimes I hear that they say this virus is difficult to overcome, but I think it is very easy because the actions required, such as washing your hands, wearing a mask, and keeping a safe distance are simple things within everyone’s reach.

“By doing these three things, we can overcome the virus, but we do need the commitment, co-responsibility, and awareness of everyone in the community.”

THE GRADUAL RETURN TO TEC CAMPUSES WHEN POSSIBLE

The HyFlex+Tec model is a hybrid and flexible educational experience allowing students to complete the semester via distance-learning, through virtual classes, or in a hybrid format, with some face-to-face activities.

At the end of September, students who have voluntarily chosen the hybrid mode will gradually be able to have activities on campus.

This will happen only as long as the health alert level is green, and guidelines from local authorities allow it.

However, if the alert level changes again, it will be possible to return to a distance-learning mode.

The conscientious reopening plan was designed following advice from TecSalud and following World Health Organization guidelines. It consists of hygiene and social distancing measures.

“Washing your hands, wearing a mask, and keeping a safe distance ... by doing these three things, we can overcome the virus.”

Some of the requirements to enter campuses for in-person activities are:

- 14 days of isolation before returning to campus

- Completing the “My Commitment to My Wellbeing” course

- Downloading the SAP Fiori Client app, which protects your private data

- Answering the “Taking Care of Everyone’s Health” self-diagnosis questionnaire in the app

- Showing the green QR code generated by the app at the health checkpoint upon arrival on campus

- Your temperature and health status will be checked at the health checkpoint

Here are some of the guidelines for while you’re on campus:

- Wear a face mask at all times.

- Keep at a safe distance of 1.5 meters from other people.

- Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently.

- Respect occupancy restrictions in areas such as the library or cafeterias which will allow only 30% occupancy.

- Don’t make displays of affection that involve physical contact.

- Don’t share school supplies or personal items.

- Classrooms will have a maximum occupancy of 50%.

- Respect and pay attention to the signs that will be around campus.

- Keep your study area clean, ventilated, and disinfected.

- When leaving you must present the green QR code again at the health checkpoint.

- Your temperature and your health status will be checked again.

If you have any questions, the Tec has created a special Conscientious Return mini-site with all the information you need about the return to campus.

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