Abstract The interest in virtual learning is not new; however, it has become a hot topic since the outbreak of COVID-19. In the area of human–computer interaction (HCI), there have been few educational experiences conducted in fully online mode. This paper examines a virtual flipped classroom–based approach, which was adopted to support HCI teaching–learning by using online tools. We conducted two case studies at a Brazilian University and carried out qualitative data analysis. We also investigated how this approach affected the experience of undergraduate and graduate students, together with the skills it enabled them to acquire. The results revealed a high degree of satisfaction and motivation felt by students when they adopted this approach and a change in their mindset about the importance of HCI in their future job activities as professionals. Skills related to effective work in group management and innovative thinking were also stimulated by our approach.