The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed visitors from Bukidnon State University (BukSU), headed by Dr. Hazel Jean Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs, for a benchmarking activity on 16 September 2024 at the UPOU Oblation Hall, Los Baños, Laguna. Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor; Dr. Myra Almodiel, Director of UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA); and Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, Director of UPOU Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL), received the delegates from BukSU.
Dr. Almodiel facilitated the discussion on UPOU’s open and distance elearning, its practices, and the various strategies employed to enhance the learning experience and engagement. Dr. Bagarinao discussed the processes and qualifications for admission for transferees, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs. The Massive Open and Online Courses (MOOCs); Learning Management Systems (LMS), including the websites and platforms used by UPOU in the distance elearning setup; scholarships and financial assistance for students; and human resources, specifically the faculties and ICT team, were explored in the discussion.
Dr. Bandalaria elaborated that Open Educational Resources (OERs), which are free and open for all, can be utilized as learning materials with the support of a learning activity as an assessment. She also discussed the CHEd Accreditation, Open, and Distance Learning Act or RA10650 and the capacity building for Faculties in equipping them for distance teaching and learning.
In accordance with RA 10650, the “Open Distance Learning Act,” and its dedication to Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UPOU is instrumental in promoting collaboration among institutions and organizations. This initiative seeks to offer accessible, high-quality education and to advance collective progress in the educational field.
Written by Marinela Hernandez ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photo by Anna Mhari Duria
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