EDUCAÇÃO ALIMENTAR E NUTRICIONAL EM CASA: A EXPERIÊNCIA DO ENSINO REMOTO NA ESCOLA PÚBLICA EM MUNICÍPIO PARAIBANO

Abstract

Introduction: Security measures against COVID-19 led to the adoption of a remote teaching model, including university extension actions carried out in the school environment. The extension contributes to health promotion by addressing topics such as Food and Nutrition Education (EAN). Objective: This study aims to report the experience of a university extension and the adaptation of EAN actions to the remote model applied to elementary school students from the interior of Paraíba in 2020.  Methodology: The “#TICS: EAN at Home” project was carried out among elementary school students in the fifth grade of a public school in Cuité, Paraíba. Whatsapp was used as a tool for activities that involved encouraging play with physical movement, cognitive development, intergenerational bonds, and low-cost food. Twelve actions were developed and were adapted for school-age students. They were made easy to perform at home through explanatory videos, game platforms, and printed activities.  Results: Challenges were observed in terms of unequal internet access, weakness in maintaining the connection between the university team and the school community, overload of teachers, and different contexts in the family environment such as social vulnerability and domestic violence. Conclusions: Despite the challenges faced in maintaining the connection in the university–school community team, it is possible to carry out university extensions in the remote model based on the diversification of digital strategies and tools.

Keywords: Food and Nutrition Education; Community-Institutional Relations; COVID-19 Pandemic; Information Technology.