The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) piloted its first offering on Course Design for Open and Distance e-Learning (CD4ODeL) last 3-9 February 2025. CD4ODeL is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge to create effective instructional materials for an online learning environment. It is delivered in a blended format where studying the content of the course occurs via online learning while hands-on activities and interactions happen during the face-to-face sessions that will take place on campus.
Following the online sessions held from 3-9 February via extend.upou.edu.ph, the CD4ODeL three-day on-site sessions kicked off on 10 February 2025 at the CCDL Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños. Laguna. Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, CODTL Director, welcomed 35 participants from 11 different universities, namely:
- Benguet State University
- Biliran Province State University
- Catanduanes State University
- De La Salle University
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Open University System
- John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo) Inc.
- Mariano Marcos State University
- Pangasinan State University
- Star Colleges, Inc
- Technological University of the Philippines
- West Visayas State University – Distance Education
Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, delivered the opening remarks and led “Lecture 1: The Course Guide,” emphasizing its importance and key components. She also shared insights on course policies and engaged participants in a discussion on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ODeL. The participants presented the horizontal syllabi they created during the online study sessions.
The morning session of day 1 included a visit to the UPOU facilities such as the Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO), Educational Media Production (EMP) Studio, and the UPOU Library.
During the visit, the participants explored UPOU’s processes through the ICTDO, focusing on the design of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and faculty access. They learned about training for faculty and staff on using the LMS, its management and handling, and turnover processes as discussed by Mr. Adriane Jennel Alarcon, Information Systems Researcher III and Mr. Eriberto Roxas Jr., Senior Systems Administrator.
At the EMP Studio, participants examined the facility’s functions, equipment such as cameras, and the recording setup. They also learned about Open Educational Resources (OERs) and the online repository of multimedia materials as discussed by Ms. Lovelyn Petrasanta, Information Systems Researcher of CODTL -EMP. Mr. Lexter Mangubat, Deputy Director of CODTL – EMP, discussed the upcoming training sessions.
During their visit to the UPOU Library, the participants expressed interest in the availability of resources for borrowing. Mr. Joel Ocier, University Librarian, presented the process or procedure for borrowing books from the library as well as the online repository of journal articles and theses of the faculty members and students, respectively.
The afternoon session of Day 1 continued with a workshop led by Chancellor Bandalaria, in which they had a session on writing the course guide. The session concluded with a presentation where participants showcased their outputs, allowing for feedback and discussion.
Two more days of productive face-to-face sessions were held to capacitate them to apply what they have learned and develop instructional materials for their own programs that are ready for the ODeL modality.
On the second day of CD4ODeL, held on 11 February 2025, participants attended “Lecture 2: The Study Guide”, led by Dr. Juliet Aleta Villanueva, Associate Professor and Deputy Director for Learning Design at CODTL. The session featured an engaging discussion, followed by a workshop that extended into the afternoon, focusing on study guide creation. Participants had the opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and refine their concepts alongside colleagues and peers from various institutions.
On the third and final day, 12 February 2025, Mr. Lexter Mangubat, Instructor with the Faculty of Education (FEd) and Deputy Director for the EMP – CODTL, facilitated the discussion and workshop for “Lecture 3: The Learning Activity Guide and The Assignment Guide.” The session concluded with participants presenting their outputs.
The training on CD4ODeL concluded with a short closing ceremony, highlighted by the awarding of certificates to the participants. The awarding was led by Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, to recognize the dedication of the participants in the completion of the training.
Written by Marinela Hernandez, Zyrene Villanueva and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel
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