Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr., UP Open University Associate Professor and Program Director for Immersive Open Pedagogies, was awarded the Silver Medal for the Best Practice Award at the 36th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU 2023). AAOU 2023 was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 28-30 September 2023.
His paper, titled “iBook Plus: An Interactive Book-Based Approach in Open and Distance e-Learning,” was about his investigation into the potential of iBook Plus, a novel interactive book-based approach to enrich online courses and encourage meaningful student interactions. The iBook Plus approach utilizes the interactive book format to deliver engaging content by integrating text, multimedia elements, and interactive activities seamlessly. His study found that after analyzing data across four trimesters where it was implemented, findings suggest that the iBook Plus approach effectively engaged learners and increased their learning satisfaction.
This prestigious award is a recognition and acknowledgment of his innovative contributions to the field of open education. Congratulations, Dr. Figueroa!
AAOU 2023, themed “The Future of Open Universities in the Age of Digitalized Higher Education,” brought together educators, administrators, and researchers to discuss the evolving landscape of open education in the digital era. It served as a platform to examine the role of open universities in the context of digitalized higher education. Engaging discussions encompassed various sub-themes, including the re-evaluation of open universities’ functions, the transformative impact of the COVID-19 era on open and distance learning practices, effective management of ODL institutions, innovative delivery methods, online assessment and evaluation techniques, emerging pedagogical approaches, learner support systems, and strategies to enhance access and elevate the quality of open and distance learning.
The UPOU delegates consisted of nine faculty and staff members led by Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria. All delegates have their share in presenting their research papers related to artificial intelligence, gamification, alternative modes of education, and management in an ODL environment, among others. Some UPOU members also served special roles such as Dr. Jean Saludadez who served as the Adjudication Committee Chair for the Best Paper Award, and Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy who served as Adjudication Committee Member for the Young Innovator Award.
Written by Donalyn Piamonte and Anna Cañas-Llamas • Edited by Myra C. Almodiel
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