Abstract

PARRA, Jorge E  and  MENDEZ, Marlon. Pedagogy and virtual education in a rural extension program. Agron. colomb. [online]. 2005, vol.23, n.1, pp.171-182. ISSN 0120-9965.

Designing and evaluating a model for certifying promoters of rural education by Internet is a project aimed at seeking alternative models for university extension where pedagogy promotes developing professional competency. Internet is examined as being an instrument making it possible to overcome conditions of time and place as these represent important problems for professionals and technicians' continued education in the provinces and for university participation in local processes. It is concluded that pedagogy must use technology's possibilities and overcome its limitations and focus on students' needs and the educational process's purpose. A new model for virtual teaching-learning demands more for both teachers and students; adjustments must be made in their relationships and participation in such process. Teachers must promote dialogue, guide, motivate and ensure that students presuppose an analytical, critical, comprehensive and interpretative position regarding theory and reality. Motivation and discipline are indispensable for students. Dialogue is needed in both presential and virtual models, but must be more dynamic in a virtual model due to students' ipso facto solitude. Virtual communication represents an instrument for establishing a new social relationship; the university-region relationship becomes strengthened, giving it greater continuity and quality

Keywords : University extension; competency; pedagogy; dynamic approach; rural education.

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