On 12 March 2024, a delegation of eleven faculty and administrators from the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) visited the UP Open University (UPOU) at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The purpose of their visit was to benchmark and explore potential collaborations in open and distance eLearning. They were particularly interested in UPOU’s course offerings and delivery methods. Dr. Joanne Marie Guarin, the Dean of ISPSC College of Business Management and Entrepreneurship, led the team.
Dr. Myra C. Almodiel, Director of the UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA), and Mr. Lexter Mangubat, Deputy Director for the Educational Materials Production (EMP) Unit of the Center of Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL), served as resource persons, with Ms. Lovelyn Petrasanta as staff support. Dr. Almodiel discussed about UPOU’s degree programs, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and continuing education programs (CEP). She also shared about how UPOU conducts open and distance elearning. Mr. Mangubat, on the other hand, gave the ISPC team a tour of the UPOU production studio and explained how UPOU produces Open Educational Resources. The ISPSC team were also able to visit the UPOU Virtual Reality Exhibit at the UPOU Oblation Hall, and were able to experience immersive projects developed by UPOU.
UPOU’s commitment to open and accessible education extends beyond its programs. As mandated by RA 10650, also known as the “Open Distance Learning Law,” and guided by Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 17, UPOU actively collaborates with other institutions to share expertise and expand access to quality education for all.
Written by Lovelyn Petrasanta ♦ Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
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