The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) opens its arms for future collaboration with Wawasan Open University (WOU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last 9 May 2023. This marks a new feat for both educational institutions, especially in embarking on the untapped potential of open and distance learning (ODL). UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria and WOU Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor Dr. Lily Chan The said activity was participated by the heads of both institutions, specifically: UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria and WOU Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor [...]

The OU5, consisting of University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), Hanoi Open University (HOU), Open University Malaysia (OUM) and Universitas Terbuka (UT), convened in order to continue to steer the consortium’s direction towards its future multidisciplinary, institutional, and ASEAN research projects focusing Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) in the ASEAN region. The meetings were hosted by Open University Malaysia (OUM) last 10-11 May 2023. OU5 Researchers’ Meeting The OU5 researchers' meeting consisted of several parallel sessions which delved into the following topics: innovative pedagogies; sustainable development; metaverse for effective learning; disaster risk and [...]

In the third episode of OPENtalk about ChatGPT, students shared their thoughts on using ChatGPT and other AI tools in their studies and research. This episode was aired on 26 April 2023. The OPENTalk in partnership with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies and UPOU University Student Council gathered selected UPOU students such as Mr. Isaiah Crisanto, Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts student and Chairperson at the UPOU University Student Council, Ms. Belle Bas Balazuela, Graduate Certificate in Distance Education student, and Mr. Wilzen “Aeo” Bermoy, Doctor of Communication student, [...]

On 22 May 2023, the UP System’s EIDR Program at UP Open University titled, Development of a Filipinized Learning Management System (LMS), conducted its last field visit activity at Cavite State University (CvSU) - College of Nursing as part of the implementation and monitoring of the project.  In a significant stride towards innovation in education, the Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR) - Filipinized LMS Team recently engaged in a productive meeting with Cavite State University. UPOU Faculty members Assistant Professor Rita C. Ramos and Assistant Professor Queenie Ridulme led the Team in a meeting with the esteemed CvSU President, Dr. [...]

UP Open University (UPOU) was featured at DZRH’s Radyo Henyo last Sunday,  21 May 2023.  The Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), Dr. Joane V. Serrano, and the Director of the UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA), Dr. Myra C. Almodiel, were guest interviewees at Radyo Henyo hosted by Dr. Ruby Cristobal, UPOU MDC Alumni.  The discussion was about education opportunities for Filipinos in the country and abroad, and the programs that UPOU offers via open and distance elearning (ODeL). Dr. Serrano explained that UPOU helped many education institutions transition to flexible and technology-assisted [...]

The All UP Workers Union-UP Open University Chapter, led by its President, Ms. Agnes V. Mejia, conducted a Leadership Training for its members on 16 May 2023. The resource persons for the event are AUPWU National Executive Board members, namely, Jossel Ebesate, National President; Connie Marquina, National Vice President; and Clodualdo “Buboy” Cabrera, AUPWU-Diliman Chapter President. Hon. Victoria Canape-Belegal, UP Staff Regent and former President of the AUPWU-UPOU Chapter was also present, as well as Mr. Alexis Mejia, Former Staff Regent and current National PRO.  The training aims to equip AUPWU-UPOU Chapter members with the knowledge and skills in leadership [...]

Dr. Leo Mendel Rosario, an Assistant Professor  at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS),  attended the Australia Awards Aus4ASEAN Short Course on Skills Forecasting for the Fourth Industrial Revolution from 5-21 May 2023. The short course aimed to facilitate an exchange of expertise between Australia and ASEAN countries on skills forecasting for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and other emerging trends in ASEAN. The two-week short course is sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australia Awards. Griffiths University implemented the short course in their campuses in Gold Coast [...]

In an effort to foster a deeper understanding of permaculture and how it promotes a holistic lens of the natural landscape, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), together with the Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), embarked on an inspiring trip to a local permaculture and organic farm on 15 May 2023. This trip aimed for faculty members and staff to explore the principles of permaculture and witness firsthand the benefits of organic farming techniques while appreciating the beauty and significance of nature. Organized by UPOU FMDS and OGC, the trip [...]

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) officially launched MindsMatter@FMDS: Empowering Minds, Nurturing Well-Being, a health and wellness program for FMDS faculty members, staff, and students, on 19 May 2023. The program for the faculty members and staff was designed based on a wellness survey conducted prior to the launch of the program. In essence, MindsMatter@FMDS was born out of the need to address health and wellness concerns in a holistic manner by extending access to a program designed to support the faculty members and staff in every aspect of life ranging from physical, [...]

FMDS Dean Joane V. Serrano discussing the micro-credentials in the context of UPOU. As the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) gears towards micro-credentialing given its strategic area on “Performing the major functions of a University” where the action point on “Micro-credentialing and stackable credits towards a degree” is included, the Continuing Education Program (CEP) of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) conducted a roundtable discussion (RTD) to unbundle its non-formal course in organic agriculture (OA) as a micro-credential course to make it more relevant. The RTD was  held  on 04 May 2023 at [...]