In October 2019, the "18/10 social outbreak" impacted routines in Chile, leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to adopt online learning, a transition that was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on the experience of students and faculty members in the Medical Technology and Obstetrics and Childcare programs at the University of Valparaíso in the face of the forced implementation of online learning during the pandemic.Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted and qualitatively analyzed by the research team.Coincidentally, both groups reported experiencing nervousness, frustration, anguish, anxiety, and stress, highlighting the need to consider emotional well-being in processes of change and how these can affect the teaching and learning process, work adaptation, among others.The study highlights the similarity of experiences found in other contexts and the importance of preparation and ongoing support to face future challenges in the context of online learning and in the face of contingent scenarios such as a pandemic.The information gathered is useful for understanding and improving transformative educational processes, especially in contexts of change, discussing post-pandemic online learning, and providing a background for decision-making.