Realities and challenges of university extension in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

During the pandemic, it was necessary to review university extension paradigms to move towards innovative approaches. This descriptive, analytical and qualitative research sought to reflect on the realities and challenges of extension, specifically in terms of existing models and conditions during the pandemic. 70 humanities and 70 business students from a private university participated in focus groups. Among the findings, confusion was revealed regarding the concept of extension, with those of internship, practice and research; but they assumed that it is about practical application of knowledge. They agreed that their purpose is to acquire knowledge; those of business maintained that through training within the university and those of humanities through activities with the community. Many students, especially outside the metropolitan area, are unaware of its concept and purposes. The student body in general gives it importance in equivalence with training and research; and another segment considers it more important to the extent that it implies practice of knowledge. For business students, extension is understood from the informative model, while for humanities, from the altruistic one. The conscientious model is not present in their worldviews and the business model is unknown but positively received. There is agreement that the four models are complementary, but in practice the informative one predominates. In the context of Covid-19, students agreed on the need to apply the altruistic model; but in practice the informative predominates to the extent that connectivity and accessibility conditions exist.