The International Conference in Online and Distance eLearning (ICODeL 2023) featured a blend of virtual and in-person panel sessions. The panel sessions delved into topics aligned with the theme of “Sustainability in Education: Intersections, Ideation, and Innovations” held simultaneously at the UPOU Headquarters and via Zoom.
Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Director of the Office of Gender Concerns and President of the Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS) led the discussion on Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion. The panel session was joined by Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, Program Chair of the Diploma in Women and Development program of UPOU and Secretary General of AAWS; Dr. Carol Sobritchea, Professorial Lecturer and Council Member of AAWS; Dr. Farhana Abdul Fatah, Senior Lecturer at the Universiti Sains Malaysia; Hiroko Kinoshita, Associate Professor at Kyushu University; and Oudom Man, a graduate of Thammasat University. The panel discussed the promotion of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in sustainable education. They talked about the contribution to promoting gender equality, the challenges in relation to the use of technology promoting GEDSI, and the recommendations to maximize the benefits of online technology and address the challenges of promoting gender equality and diversity.
Panel Session 3 revolved around Microcredentials – Transforming Higher Education by empowering Universities with Microcredentials for Lifelong Learning and Industry Integration. Assoc. Prof. Peter A. Sy from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, led the discussion panel with the discussants Dr. Cora Anonuevo, former professor at the University of the Philippines Manila and Director of National Graduate Office for Health Science; Dr. Dennis Batangan, faculty member and research scientist at Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Marita Concepcion Castro-Guevara, Associate Professor at Ateneo de Manila University; and Mr. Al Pagulayan, Leader for Talent Delivery at Concentrix Philippines. The panel explored how these credentials facilitate flexible teaching models, enhance employability, and promote accessibility for lifelong learners from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Guevara shared insights from a recent survey they conducted, revealing that a significant portion of respondents remained unaware of what microcredentials entail. Some of the insights shared were highlighting the need for driving awareness about Microcredentials, inclusion, and alignment with the standards and regulations and then creating relevance to the in-demand professions. Moreover, they discussed the impact of microcredentials to learning institutions and institutional organizations.
During Panel Session 4, Dr. Charisse Reyes, Dean and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education UP Open University, facilitated the discussion on Instructional Design and Delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education. The discussants who joined the panel were Dr. Louie B. Dasas, Assistant Dean at the College of Education, University of Santo Tomas; Dr. Crist John M. Pastor, Professor at College of Teacher Development, Philippine Normal University; and Dr. Marivic S. Lacsamana, Professor and Director at the Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines Los Baños. The panel shared their approach to designing the delivery of their courses and the implementation of the instructional materials. Dr. Pastor shared his way of using backward alignment and the modality of course delivery, especially during the pandemic. Dr. Dasas added a layer to the discussion by mentioning how the Philosophy of a science teacher influences the decision-making of instructional design. The panel also discussed the gaps in the two fields in terms of curricular designs and strategies. Dr. Lacsamana, in addition to the discussion and reaction, shared her own teaching philosophy that she wanted to identify, her insights and experiences in teaching Chemistry, and how she taught from how she was mentored.
ICODeL 2023 is part of Tri-conference 2023 held from 21 to 25 August 2023, organized by UPOU in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), UPOU Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI), and the Philippine Society for Distance Learning (PSDL). The Tri-conference includes the ICODEL 2023, International Symposium on Education and AI Convergence (ISEAC 2023), and the ASEANnale, which share the same theme: Sustainability in Education: Intersections, Ideation, Innovations. Tri-Conference is sponsored and supported by Concentrix (Platinum Sponsor), Near-Life, Development Bank of the Philippines and Nephila Web Technology, Inc (Gold Sponsors), and the following Exhibit Partners: Digital Freedom Network, Disini Law, Veterans Bank, Land Bank, DOST-PCAARRD.
Written by Tri-Conference 2023 Publicity Committee
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