Seminar on Planning and Managing Distance Education
The UP Open University Master of Distance Education Program and the UPOU Foundation Inc. are organizing a Seminar on Planning and Managing Distance Education for education and training managers, administrators, faculty, and trainers who are tasked with developing and implementing a distance education and/or online learning program. The four-hour seminar will cover key elements and principles of distance education (DE), DE generations and models, and the systems approach to DE planning and management. . more (Date posted: 2 February 2010)
Chancellor Alfonso is appointed UP Artist
The University of the Philippines Board of Regents (BOR) has appointed Dr Grace Javier Alfonso as one of the UP Artists for 2009-2011. The BOR approved her appointment and those of other 26 UP Artists during its 1252nd meeting held at Quezon Hall, UP Diliman on 18 December 2009
Dr. Alfonso is the current Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University. She is an artist, sculptor, and painter; a filmmaker, director, film researchers, and critic; and a multimedia expert. She finished her Ph.D. in Communication in 1990; her M.A. Humanities (Art History) in 1980, and her Bachelor's in Fine Arts in 1972, all from the University of the Philippines. Her most recent works are her interpretation of the UP Oblation. These can be seen in UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, in UP Manila, and the UP School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte.
OVCAA holds Program Chair Assembly
At UPOU, various forms of non-academic support are rendered by several units. The task of coordinating these support services at the level of programs is the responsibility of program chairs. As part of UPOU's continuing efforts to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of program administration, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs organized a Program Chair (PC) Assembly on 15 January 2009 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
Vice Chancellor Nemah N. Hermosa said that the assembly aimed to review the functions and responsibilities of program chairs; share experiences and concerns on various areas of academic program development, implementation, and evaluation; and recommend policies, procedures and guidelines on various aspects of academic program administration.
The assembly, participated in by 16 program chairs, 5 speakers/presenters and 3 staff members in charge of programs, also discussed strategies for enhancing pre-registration advising, academic counseling, student and faculty orientation, exam administration, course materials development, course evaluation, faculty and tutor training and support, and program promotion. (luisa A. Gelisan)
UPOU steps up pitch for competitiveness agenda
Ambassador Stephen Lillie addresses the participants of the Policy Forum.
The pitch for a competitiveness legislative agenda intensified as the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) convened more than 80 policy experts from the executive and legislative branches of the government, academe, and business in a consultative forum and workshop on Advocating Policy and Legislative Agenda to Improve Philippine Competitiveness for the 15th Congress held on 21-22 January 2009 at One Tagaytay Place, Tagaytay City. more (Date posted: 2 February 2010)
UPOU and InWEnt Conduct 2nd Face-to-Face eLDI Asia 2009 Workshop
Fourteen participants from six different countries came together for the second Face-to-Face Workshop of the e-Learning Development and Implementation (ELDI) Asia 2009 at the Crown Regency Hotels and Towers, Cebu City from 11-15 January 2010. The five-day workshop served as a refresher on the concepts and tools that participants learned throughout the duration of the program. They also finalized their project prototypes. more (Date posted: 2 February 2010)
Health Promotion Expert advises UPOU
UPOU Chancellor, Dr, Grace J. Alfonso hands-over a copy of the UPOU book titled 100 Narratives to Dr. Gauden Galea. With them are the officials and faculty members of the UPOU.
Dr. Gauden Galea, an international expert in health promotion, is assisting the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), UP Open University in the development of the Health Promotion course under the proposed Master of International Health (MIH) Program. more (Date posted: 12 January 2010)
DevCom students develop YouTube site on Global Warming
To inform various publics about Global Warming, a group of five students of the Master of Development Communication program developed a site in YouTube Channel titled “COOL 101: What you need to know about Global Warming.”
According to the students, “COOL 101 is a YouTube Channel that serves as an interactive repository of videos designed to increase people's awareness on Global Warming.” It is also aims to be a one-stop channel for sharing video clips documenting its viewers' and subscribers' personal insights on the issue.
COOL 101 explains what global warming is, its causes, effects, and how it could be mitigated. It's website address is http://www.youtube.com/user/upoucool101#p/a more (Date posted: 5 January 2010)
Course guide writeshop for writers of UPOU programs
The Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS), in coordination with the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, conducted a Course Guide Writeshop for course writers of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) and other UPOU programs on 3-4 December 2009 at the AV Room of the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The resource persons for the writeshop were Vice Chancellor Nemah N. Hermosa and Prof. Patricia B. Arinto. more (Date posted: 23 November 2009)
Dean Flor presents paper in the APEC Education Forum and ALCoB International Conference, Bangkok
Dr. Alexander G. Flor, Dean and Professor of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, is the country’s thematic paper presenter to the 5th APEC Future Education Forum and 7th International ALCOB Conference which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 25-27, 2009. Dean Flor will be presenting a thematic paper titled “Lifelong Learning in the New Era.”
The forum was organized by the Institute of APEC Collaborative Education. Dean Flor’s participation was nominated by Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Planning Jesus Mateo who is also the current president of ALCOB and Director of the Educational Development Projects Implementing Task Force (DepED-EDPITAF). (Emely M. Amoloza, FICS)
UPOU inaugurates Center for Digital Learning
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| UP System officials cut the ribbon during the inauguration of the Centennial Center for Digital Learning Building: (L-R) Regent Nelia T. Gonzalez; UP President Emerlinda R. Roman; and UPOU Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso, with them are the officials of the UP System. |
The UP Open University's Centennial Center for Digital Learning Building (CCDLB) “will be a symbol of the opening of doors to the countless possibilities presented by a digitized world,” Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso said during the inauguration of the CCDLB on 16 November 2009. more (Date posted: 23 November 2009)
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| UP College of Education students' study visit at UPOU. Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr Celia T. Adriano (seated, 1st from right), and her students under the graduate course EDCS 230: Distance Education visited the UP Open University to get first hand information on how distance education is being implemented in the Philippines. The class had a discussion with UPOU professors led by former Faculty Regent Felix Librero and UPOU Chancellor Grace J. Alfonso (seated, 1st and 2nd from left). EDCS 230 class also met with UPOU Registrar Melinda dP. Bandalaria and the PDA for Learning/Testing Centers Ms. Yaselle Yambao. |
UPOU, British Embassy Launch a Project on Improving Philippine Competitiveness for Development
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UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Grace J. Alfonso, and British Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Stephen Lillie (5th and 6th from left) formally launch the UPOU and British Embassy project on "Improving Competitiveness through Policy Advocacy of Economic Reforms." With them are (from left) Ms. G.H. S. Ambat, Project Coordinator; Dr. Maria Fe Mendoza, Project Director; Hon. Cesar P Bautista, Co-chair, National Competitiveness Council and Former Ambassador to the UK; Mr. Mark Emmanuel Canlas, Economic Attache, UK Embassy; Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta, UPOU Vice Chancellor; Prof. Liza C. Carascal, UPOU Foundation Executive Director; and Mr. Meneleo J. Carlos, Jr. Chair of Federation of Philippine Industry. |
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through its Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), and the British Embassy-Manila launched a project called “Improving Philippine Competitiveness through Policy Advocacy of Economic Reforms and Strategies”. This will run until March 2010 and will receive funding support from the British Embassy in Manila.
The project aims to provide a venue for stakeholders in the legislature, academe, business and other sectors to better understand the issues, challenges and solutions to improve the country’s competitiveness. It also hopes to present to the next Congress a set of recommendations that could steer competitiveness reforms beyond 2010 through legislation and policy actions. Dr. Fe V. Mendoza, Dean of the FMDS, is the director of the project. more (Date posted: 21 October 2009)
Policy Forum on Philippine Competitiveness
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| Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Sereno received certificate of appreciation for her valuable insights to "The State, Challenges and Prospects of Philippine Competitiveness," during the project launch of UPOU and British Embassy. |
The Faculty of Management and Development Studies-UP Open University and the British Embassy-Manila hosted the consultative policy forum titled "The State, Challenges, and Prospects of Philippine Competitiveness: Discourses from Various Perspectives." The forum featured speakers from various institutions in the country. They were Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Sereno, Executive Director of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center; Hon. Cesar B. Bautista, Co-Chair of National Competitiveness Council and former Ambassador to the United Kingdom; and Mr. Meneleo J. Carlos, Jr., Chair of the Federation of Philippine Industries.more (Date posted: 21 October 2009)
UPOU officials' meeting with Cong. Fuentebella
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| Atty. Wimpy Fuentebella (2nd from right) discusses to the UPOU officials, led by Chancellor Grace J. Alfonso, the UPOU programs that his office is interested to endow with scholarship grants. |
Officials of the UP Open University, led by Chancellor Grace J. Alfonso, met with Atty William B. Fuentebella, the Chief of Staff of Congressman Arnulfo P. Fuentebella to discuss UPOU's degree and nonformal program offerings and how the university conducts its courses through distance education. Congressman Fuentebella is the House Representative of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur and Deputy Speaker for Luzon. more (Date posted: 18 October 2009)
Teachers from Afghanistan's educational trip to UPOU
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| Dr. Bandalaria explains to Professors from Afghanistan how distance education is being done by UPOU. |
A group of teachers/professors from various universities in Afghanistan visited the UP Open University headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna on 2 October 2009 to familiarize themselves with distance education and how it is being done.
Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Associate Professor, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies and UPOU University Registrar conducted the briefing/orientation attended by 25 visitors from Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Professors were specifically interested on how student support services are extended to UPOU students located in 60 countries.
Prof. Bandalaria said that UPOU went through various generations of distance learning and student support services for its students. They range from combinations of print modules, multimedia materials with face-to-face sessions, to audio- and videoconferencing, and to online tutorials. She also shared that UPOU has put in place a system to ensure that its distance learners only receive quality education that UP - the Philippine's premier university - is known for (Luisa A. Gelisan, OC).
AAOU CMODE Task Force met in Manila
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| Dr. Syed Hassan Rasa of AIOU, Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta of UPOU and Prof. Dr. Rahmah Hasmin during the A-CMODE Taskforce Meeting in Manila. | ||
The Task Force on the Shared Curriculum for the Development of a Masters Program on Management of Distance Education (CMODE) of the Association of Asian Open Universities (AAOU) met on 14 September 2009 in Manila, Philippines to identify courses for the Masters Program on Management of Distance Education which could be adopted and/or adapted by AAOU member institutions.
Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta, a Professor at the Faculty of Management and Development Studies and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration of UP Open University was appointed as Chair of the Taskforce with Prof. Dr. Rahmah Hashim of the Center for Graduate Studies, Open University Malaysia and Dr. Syed Hassan Rasa of the Department of Business Administration, Allama Iqbal Open University of Pakistan as members.
On 3 November 2009, Prof. Lumanta will present their taskforce’s final report in the AAOU Executive Board Meeting that will be held in Tehran, Iran (Michael P. Lagaya, OVCFA).
FMDS organizes a project to improve Philippine competitiveness for development
| OECD Deputy Secretary General Padoan talks on "The OECD Standards of Transparency and Exchange of Information in Tax Matters |
To contribute to the discourse on development issues in the country, the Faculty of Management and Development Studies-UP Open University (FMDS-UPOU), is undertaking a policy research cum advocacy project, entitled: “Improving Philippine Competitiveness through Policy Advocacy of Economic Reforms and Strategies.”
The research-advocacy project hopes to educate decision makers, academicians, media, and other stakeholders on policy questions and solutions to improve Philippine competitiveness for development. It also aims to identify and advocate selected strategic reforms and approaches for the next Congress. more (Date posted: 30 September 2009)
UP Open University participates in Los Baños Day Celebrations
The UP Open University (UPOU) participated in the week-long celebration of the 394th Foundation Day of Los Baños. Laguna, more popularly known as Bañamos.
UPOU set up an exhibit about the university, along with other members of the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, at the Paciano Rizal Park, Los Baños, Laguna from 16-19 September 2009. On 17 September 2009, a UPOU contingent joined the civic parade and the commemorative program. The commemorative program was graced by Vice President Noli de Castro and other government officials of Laguna (Luisa A. Gelisan).
ASEAN Journal of Open and Distance Learning (AJODL) launched
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Officials from member universities and guests view the digital launch of AJODL. From left: Dr. Jean Saludadez (UPOU); Associate Professor Dr Pranee Sungkatavat (STOU); Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Prof. Dr. Mansor Fadzil (OUM); and Prof. Dr. Anuwar Ali (OUM). |
The ASEAN Journal of Open and Distance Learning (AJODL) was officially launched on August 12, 2009 at the Legend Hotel in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. AJODL is housed at the Open University Malaysia (OUM) but is a co-publication between Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), the UP Open University (UPOU), and OUM.
Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Mohamed Khaled Nordin led the launching ceremony witnessed by Associate Professor Dr Pranee Sungkatavat, President of STOU, Prof. Dr. Anuwar Ali, President and Vice Chancellor of OUM, and Dr. Jean Saludadez, representative of Dr. Grace J. Alfonso, Chancellor of UPOU. more (Date posted: 4 September 2009)
Hermosa receives Professorial Chair Award
Dr. Nemah N. Hermosa, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UP Open University, was recently conferred with the Bonifacio P. Sibayan Distinguished Professorial Chair for 2010. The award was given by the Linguistics Society of the Philippines.
The B.P. Sibayan Distinguished Professorial Chair was established in 1991 to honor a man who became an illustrious teachers, writer, scholar, school administrator, and a staunch advocate of excellence. It is being managed by the De La Salle University Foundation on behalf of the Linguistics Society of the Philippines.
FMDS offers Community Mental Health course
The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) offers anew the course on Community Mental Health (CMH). The course will run from September to November 2009 and registration will be until 21 September 2009. It is open to community health workers, primary care nurses, social workers, and general medical practitioners.
Community Mental Health is a 12-week blended course where students will be participating in both face-to-face sessions and online tutorials. They will also receive course guides, hand outs, course readings, and other multimedia materials.more (Date posted: 1 September 2009)
Colloquium on Distance Education
The Master of Distance Education (MDE) program of the UPOU Faculty of Education, in cooperation with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, shall hold a colloquium/seminar series on the theme, "DE and the Disciplines", which will run from September to November 2009. more (Date posted: 1 September 2009)
Biomodd [LBA2] Exhibit Opening
UPOU holds Biomodd Exhibit
The University of the Philippines Open University invites the public to its first Biomodd[LBA2] Exhibit that will open on 5 August 2009, 6:00 pm at the Student Union Building, UPLB Campus, Los Baños, Laguna.
Biomodd [LBA2], which is being developed in Los Baños, is the second iteration of Biomodd, an interactive and collaborative art project that integrates nature and technology. The first version, Biomodd [ATH1], was installed in 2007 and 2008 in the Aesthetic Technologies Lab in Athens, Ohio.
The Philippine Biomodd shall be on display from 5-20 August in Los Baños, Laguna. While a second exhibition shall be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of St. Benilde, Manila.
For inquiries regarding the exhibits, please send email to Prof. Diego Maranan at d.maranan@upou.edu.ph.
New Book on the Social Impact of Information Technologies
The UP Open University has recently published a new book on the social impact of informatization titled Developing Societies in the Information Age: A Critical Perspective. Written by Dr. Alexander Flor, Professor of Information and Communication Studies, the book argues against the World is Flat hypothesis of Thomas Friedman. The book provides a theoretical framework for a critical perspective on information societies and their impact on developing countries. It is based on the author’s research study, The Information Rich and the Information Poor: Two faces of the Information Age in a Developing Country.
FICS Dean Delivers SEARCA UP Centennial Professorial Chair Lecture
Communities of practice (CoPs) should give way to communities of champions (CoCs) in the knowledge management for development (KM4D) arena.
This, in one sentence, was the theme of Dr. Alexander Flor’s SEARCA UP Centennial Professorial Chair Lecture on Shifts in KM Models to Address Natural Resources Management Imperatives. Flor’s lecture was held on 7 July 2009 at the Drilon Hall, SEAMEO SEARCA, UPLB Campus, Los Baños, Laguna. more (Date posted: 11 July 2009)
Flor delivers Professorial Chair Lecture
Dr. Alexander G. Flor, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, UP Open University, shall deliver a Professorial Chair Lecture on 7 July 2009, 4:00 pm at the Drilon Hall, SEARCA, UPLB Campus, Los Baños, Laguna. His lecture is entitled “Communities of Practice or Communities of Champions: Shifts in Knowledge Management Models to Address Natural Resources Management Imperatives.”
UPOU celebrates UP's 101st Foundation Day
To commemorate the University of the Philippines 101st Foundation Day, the UP Open University hosted various activities in its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna on 18 June 2009. The celebration started with a Flag Raising Ceremony attended by the officials, faculty, REPS, and staff members of UPOU.
Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Chancellor of the UPOU, expressed her gratitude to all personnel of UPOU who wholeheartedly dedicate their knowledge, talent, skills, support, and time for the progress of the university. She hopes that as UP enter its second centenary, they will continue on with the excellent service they are extending to the university and its students. more (Date posted: 29 June 2009)
University of Melbourne taps UPOU as hub for Int'l Observatory on Mental Health
Dr. Harry Minas, the Director of the Center for International Mental Health, University of Melbourne, met with the officials of the UPOU, led by Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, to explore the possibility of having the university as one of the International Observatories on Mental Health Systems for the Asia and the Pacific.
The International Observatory on Mental Health Systems is “a mental health systems research, education and development network that will contribute to the development of high quality mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries (www.ijmhs.com).” more (Date posted: 18 June 2009)
FMDS holds RTD on International Health
The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) has conducted a round table discussion (RTD) on International Health. This was held on 11 June 2009 at the UPOU Learning Center in Diliman, Quezon City.
Dr. Dinah P. Nadera, an Associate Professor and the resident Psychiatrist of UPOU, said that the RTD was conducted to aid in the development of a graduate degree program in International Health. A discipline that is “important in addressing the scope and dimension of disaster, emergencies, and emerging diseases that are increasing dramatically across Asia and other parts of the world.”
The participants of the RTD are health practitioners and academicians from Christoffel Blindenmission South East Asia-Pacific Regional Office; College of Medicine, UP Manila; College of Nursing, UP Manila; College of Public Health, UP Manila; Department of Health; Philippine Nurses Association; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; University of Melbourne; and the UP Open University. They shared experiences on international health; identified possible linkages in the offering of the program; and identified priority courses that need to be developed. (Luisa A. Gelisan, OC).
UPOU faculty members on a study visit in Central Queensland University
To enhance the technical knowledge and the competence in developing learning materials and course packages on land valuation management, a team of UP Open University faculty members went on a study visit in Central Queensland University (CQU), Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Through the immersion visit, the members of the team shall be exposed to the theoretical and practical rudiments and to the challenges of property and statutory valuation and taxation, land laws, land use planning, built environment, and land management and development.
The UPOU team, comprised of Prof. Cesar Luna (the group's Team Leader), Prof. Juvy Lizette Gervacio, Prof. Maribec Campos, Prof. Al Francis Librero, Prof. Mark Castillo and Prof. Maria Fe Villlamejor-Mendoza, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), is joined by two resource persons from the public and private sectors of the local real property valuation industry. They are Mr. Raul Punzalan, Assistant Vice President of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation and Mr. Florencio Diño, OIC Regional Director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance- Region V. The whole team will stay in Australia from 30 May to 27 June 2009.more (Date posted: 16 June 2009)
Los Baños Science Community holds SYENSAYA 2 Exhibit
The Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. celebrates the National Science and Technology Week on 21-24 July 2009. The celebration will kick off with the opening of the SYENSAYA 2 Exhibit on 21 July, 8:00 a.m. at the Baker Hall, UP Los Baños, College, Laguna.
The theme of the exhibit is “SYENSAYA2, LBSC: Facing Global Crisis through Innovations in Science and Technology.” It will feature science and technology projects/programs of various Los Baños, Laguna based institutions. These projects, aimed at alleviating the crises affecting everyone, shall be divided into three major groups: livelihood, education, and environment.
The exhibit shall be opened for free to the public on 21-24 July from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For details, please call (049) 536- 3358 (UP Los Baños) or 536 6015 (UP Open University). Inquiries can also be sent to luisa.gelisan@upou.edu.ph.
UPOU to develop online courses for PNP Officers
The University of the Philippines Open University in partnership with the Techadvantage Corporation and the UPOU Foundation, Inc. shall develop and offer nonformal courses on management for the officers of the Philippine National Police. Specifically, the online courses are on Leadership and Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Management, and other related management courses.
Through the partnership, UPOU shall also conduct a trainors’ training for the those who will serve as tutors/trainors of the courses.
UPOU Launches Coffee Table Book
The UP Open University has launched the coffee table book “100 Narratives: on 8 May 2009 during its Grand Sunduan at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna.
UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, described the coffee table book as a “polyphonic history of UPOU. It brings together the stories of the many people whose lives have been touched by the university...Their narrative voices thicken the description and evoke the beat of life in our university.”
The 100 narratives featured in the book were written by former UPOU and UP System Officials; current UPOU officials; affiliate and adjunct faculty members and partners; the UPOU full-time faculty members; research, extension, professional, and administrative staff; and UPOU students and alumni.
“100 Narratives” is now available at the Information Office, UP Open University, Los Baños, Laguna. For orders and inquiries, please send email to luisa.gelisan@upou.edu.ph.
eLDI Asia 2009 Training Program
The participants and facilitators of eLDI's 1st Face-to-Face Workshop
The eLearning Development and Implementation (eLDI) Asia program for 209 has formally started. This year's batch of participants, composed of 20 individuals, attended their face-to-face sessions at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna from 14-18 May 2009. This program is being offered by the UP Open University in partnership with InWEnt Capacity Building International, Germany.
eLDI is an eight-month blended learning program that targeted participants from Asia. This year's participants are from India, Cambodia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Under the program, they will go through an in-depth training on Instructional Design, Content Development, Interactivity, eLearning Technology, eLearning Management, and Tutoring for eLearning Communities. These will give them the knowledge on methodologies/technical tools and the skills needed for the analysis, planning, development, and implementation of eLearning training programs adapted to their working environment and needs.
The facilitators of eLearning Development and Implementation Asia 2009 are Prof. Juvy Lizette Gervacio, Prof. Sheila Bonito, and Ms. Myra Jill Siason of UPOU; and Prof. Evelyn Laurito and , Prof. Cristino Carbonell of the University of Santo Tomas.
Prior to the opening of eLDI Asia 2009, a workshop for the training program's facilitators was conducted by on 11-13 May 2009 at UPOU. This was facilitated by Prof. Gervacio and Mr. Jens Schneider of the Namibian Open Learning Network Trust. (Luisa A. Gelisan)
Teacher Development Program Phase 2 Launched
To upgrade the teaching capabilities of public high school teachers in the First District of Quezon Province, Congressman Wilfrido Mark Enverga, Quezon Power (Philippines) Ltd, and the UP Open University established the Phase 2 of Teacher Development Program (TDP 2).
TDP 2 launching was held on 8 May 2009 at UPOU, Los Baños, during UPOU's Grand Sunduan for its students and alumni. more (Date posted: 18 May 2009)
DOST USec dela Pena is UPOU Commencement Speaker
Undersecretary Fortunato T. dela Pena of the Department of Science and Technology is the guest speaker in UP Open University’s 13th Commencement Exercises that will be held on 9 May 2009, 6:30 pm at the Oblation Park, UP Open University, Los Banos, Laguna.
Prof. dela Pena is a strong advocate of information and communication technology, particularly in e-governance and sustainable national development. He is currently Professor of Industrial Engineering at the UP College of Engineering where he began teaching in 1973. He was the Vice President for Planning and Development of the University of the Philippines System when the UPOU was established in February 1995 and served as Course Coordinator of UPOU’s courses on entrepreneurship. more (Date posted: 1 May 2009)
UP Open University holds 13th Commencement Exercises
The University of the Philippines Open University will hold its 13th Commencement Exercises on 9 May 2009 at the Oblation Park, UP Open University, Los Banos, Laguna. To address the graduates is Undersecretary Fortunato T. dela Pena of the Department of Science and Technology.
UP President Emerlinda Roman will confer degrees to 173 graduates -- 14 of whom are undergraduates and 158 are postgraduates.
Leading this year’s graduates are the following students who earned the highest weighted grade average: Roderick Evan M. Bartolome (Master of Development Communication); April B. Cabello (Master of Development Communication); Glenn F. Fernandez (Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Management); and Allan L. Hilario (Master of Hospital Administration).more (Date posted: 1 May 2009)
State Minister of Ethiopia visits UPOU
The Ethiopian State Minister, His Excellency Wondwossen Kiflu, met with the officials of the UP Open University, led by its Chancellor Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso to know how UPOU implements its distance education programs and to explore possible development projects that Ethiopia can work out with the university.
H.E. Minster Kiflu expressed his interest to enter into collaborative programs in the following areas:
a) capacity building, i.e., training on development of graduate degree programs to be offered through distance education materials; development of learning materials, etc.
b) development of a common curriculum
c) faculty/personnel exchange program
The Minister added that his country is particularly interested with the development of degree programs/certification courses on Education, Information System, Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Planning. more (Date posted: April 9, 2009)
UPOU Sunduan 2009
In honor of the graduates and to welcome new students, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), in cooperation with UPOU Alumni Foundation Inc., will hold its second Grand Sunduan on 8 May 2009, Friday,starting at 8:00 a.m. at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. Sunduan is a Filipino term derived from the root word sundo, which means to fetch or to pick up.
The Grand Sunduan Day will feature a menagerie of activities for the incoming freshmen, continuing students, the graduating class, and the alumni. Aside from the usual orientation program and distribution of materials, the graduating and continuing students will welcome the freshmen to the exciting and challenging world of distance learning.
On the other hand, the graduating class will be greeted and saluted by the alumni as a symbol of the new life journey that they are about to embark on, armed with their UPOU degrees.
UPOU Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso said that the Grand Sunduan will be an event that will give everyone a chance to interact personally, and to foster camaraderie with representatives of their alma mater,classmates, faculty, tutors, and friends; an event that will make student life of UPOU distance learners more enriching and memorable.
For inquiries regarding the Grand Sunduan, please course them to the following:
a) For new and continuing students:
email: registrar@upou.edu.ph
telephone numbers: (049) 536-6001 to 6006, local 101
b) For alumni:
email: zandro.rapadas@up.edu.ph,upouafi@gmail.com,luisa.gelisan@upou.edu.ph
telephone numbers: (049) 536-6001 to 6006 loc 710
UPOU offers course on Community Mental Health
To help address the lack of mental health providers and to increase mental health literacy in the country, the UP Open University will offer a nonformal course on Community Mental Health (CMH).
The course will teach students the basic concepts of mental health as a public health issue and its impacts on community health care. The students will also receive basic skills training on identifying the common mental disorders and on early intervention measures.
Community Mental Health is a 12-week course blended course; students will be attending both face-to-face sessions and online tutorials. The course package is comprise of course guides, hand outs, course readings, and other multimedia materials.
The course, which will start on 18 April 2009 is open to community health workers, primary care nurses, social workers, and general medical practitioners.
Registration for CMH is now ongoing, for details, please contact the Faculty of Management Studies, UP Open University at (049) 5366001 local 821 or send email fmds@upou.edu.ph. (Luisa A. Gelisan, OC)
UPOU Colloquium on Reproductive Health Bill
A colloquium on the Reproductive Health Bill will be held on 27 March 2009, 9:00 am at the UPOU AV Room, UPOU Los Baños, Laguna. To present pertinent information on the bill is Dr. Anthony Cordero, the coordinator of the Center for Gender and Women Studies at UP Manila.
The colloquium, which is open to the public, aims not only to inform and educate the audience, but also to serve as venue for exchange of views and opinions regarding the controversial bill.
The presentation on the Reproductive Health Bill is a joint undertaking between the UPOU, UP Center for Women's Studies, and UP Manila's Center for Gender and Women Studies. For details on the colloquium, please contact (049) 536-6001 to 6006 loc. 334 or 220. (Luisa A. Gelisan, OC)
Awards for UPOU Faculty members
Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta and Dr. Melinda DP. Bandalaria were recently conferred with a professorial chair award and a faculty grant, respectively.
Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta, UPOU’s Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and a Professor at the Faculty of Management and Development Studies, received the UPOU Centennial Professorial Chair funded by the UPOU Foundation, Inc. Dr. Lumanta’s professorial chair research is on “Connectivism and Online Learning”.
Dr. Melinda DP Bandalaria was awarded with the UPOU Centennial Faculty Grant from the UP Alumni Association-Virginia, Maryland-Washington, DC chapters. An Associate Professor at the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies and currently the University Registrar, Dr. Bandalaria has proposed “Support Services Needed in Building Global Learning Communities” as the focus of the research to be funded by the Centennial Faculty Grant.
Colloquium on Intellectual Property Rights
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs conducted the colloquium on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) on 6 March 2009, 9:00am- 12:00 noon at Audio-Visual Room, UPOU Headquarters, Los Banos, Laguna. The speakers at the colloquium were Atty Rowena Disini, Ms. Audrey Anday, and Ms. Carmelita Orias.
Atty. Disini of the UPOU Legal Office discussed the existing Philippine Law on Intellectual Property. Ms. Anday, the UPOU College Librarian, and Ms. Orias, UPOU University Researcher, presented an echo-seminar of the conference on “Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization.” The said conference was conducted last year by the Intellectual Property Office, Commission on Higher Education and USAID-EMERGE.
The OVCAA organized the colloquium in cooperation with the Office of Academic Support and Services and UPOU Research and Publications Committee. (Luisa A. Gelisan, OC) Date posted: March 10, 2009
UPOU ties up with international open universities
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) collaborates with five international open universities in the region to develop and offer a graduate degree program on ASEAN Studies. These open universities are the Hanoi Open University, Vietnam; Open University of Malaysia; Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand; Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia; and Wawasan Open University in Malaysia.
The ASEAN Studies program aims to promote regional and global understanding about ASEAN Countries from the perspective of ASEAN; increase the ASEAN community’s consciousness of its common historical, cultural, and regional identity; and obtain a balanced perspective in ASEAN studies. more (Date posted: March 4, 2009)
The UP Open University launches the UPOU Centennial Plaza
The UP Open University launched the UPOU Centennial Plaza during its 14th anniversary celebration on 25 February 2009. The university dedicates the UPOU Centennial Plaza to the pursuit of excellence and equity through the continuous building of teaching and learning communities for wider access to quality education. In the middle of the plaza is the work of National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva entitled "The Pursuit of Education" (2008), which symbolizes education in all its forms for the building and strengthening of communities and the Filipino nation.
The Centennial Plaza was built in celebration of the 100 years of the University of the Philippines.
UP Open University Celebrates 14th Foundation Day
“What makes UPOU’s courses and programs cutting-edge is their curricular and pedagogical goals of providing relevant and high-quality education while encouraging the greatest participation from individuals and communities in the country and the world… and this is why we say that the rest of the Philippine higher education system has much to benefit from UPOU,” said UP President Emerlinda R. Roman during the opening of UPOU’s 14th anniversary celebration. more (Date posted: March 3, 2009)
UP Open University and Open University of Kaohsiung to Develop Course on Human Rights
 UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, and Open University Kaohsiung President, Dr. Eing Ming Wu, sign the partnership agreement between the two open universities. |
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Open University of Kaohsiung (OUK), Taiwan have entered into a partnership on International Cyber Education that will pave the way for the joint development of a course on International Human Rights. This is in line with the United Nation’s declaration of 2009 as the Year of Human Rights Learning.
The two universities will promote and assist in the organization of Taiwan-Philippines NGO Forum among Filipino and Taiwanese civil society leaders and scholars. They shall also initiate a series of city learning tours in Manila and in Kaohsiung that will focus on urban governance and city management. more (Date posted: March 3, 2009)
UP Open University holds admission exams
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) will hold another undergraduate assessment test (UgAT) on 14 March 2009 at the UP Diliman, Quezon City. Individuals who are interested to take the entrance examination should submit their application forms and other requirements on or before 1 March 2009 to the Office of the University Registrar, UP Open University, Los Banos, Laguna.
For more information, send your inquiries to registrar@upou.edu.ph or call (049) 536-6001 to 06 local 102 and (049) 536-6011.
UPOU hosts Philippine eLearning Society's forum
The Philippine eLearning Society (PeLS) will hold its first monthly "Kapihan" or forum for 2009 at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna on 26 February 2009, 1:30 to 4:30 PM.
The forum, which will coincide with UPOU's 14th Foundation Day celebration, has adapted the university's anniversary theme "Building Global Learning Communities." To speak at the forum are Dr. Gunther Podlacha and Dr. Rufino Mananghaya. more (Date posted: February 16, 2009)
InWEnt and UPOU conduct face to face sessions on eLearning Development and Implementation
To prepare educators, trainers, and educational administrators on the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) and eLearning, InWent- Capacity Building International of Germany in cooperation with Common Sense, Austria and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) conducted the face to face workshops of the eLearning Development and Implementation (eLDI) Asia program. more (Date posted: February 16, 2009
DepEd-NEAP FED-UPOU Teacher Education Tie-up
The Department of Education's National Educator's Academy of the Philippines and the UPOU recently launched a cooperative effort to improve teacher proficiency in English. Spearheaded by the University's Faculty of Education, which the NEAP had earlier tapped to help bolster its certfication Program in English, the project takes off in February, and will run its full course by May. The blended program which is structured to be delivered online, with face-to-face (F2F) weekend meetings for each course, is meant to augment what the NEAP perceives to be a 12-unit deficiency in English teacher education.
As NEAP's counterpart, the FED- UPOU is committed to design courses, assess teachers' entry-level skills, produce learning materials and deliver instruction in four courses. These courses include: The Psychology of Reading, Beginning Reading, Specialized Writing, and Effective Speech and Communication. These four areas each have a broad scope which the program aims to effectively cover. more (Date posted: February 13, 2009)
Sub-regional Forum on Open and Distance Learning
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) will hold a Sub-Regional Forum on Building Global Learning Communities at the UPOU headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna on 26 February 2009, as part of UPOU’s 14th anniversary celebrations.
The chief executives of the Open University of Malaysia, Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia), Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (Thailand), Hanoi Open University (Vietnam), and UPOU will speak at the forum about their institutional and country experiences in building learning communities through open and distance learning (ODL). They will also share their personal reflections on ODL imperatives and directions in Southeast Asia.
Educators, education policymakers, researchers, and members of public, private, and non-government institutions working in the field of distance education, e-learning, and higher education are invited to participate in the forum.
For more information, please contact patricia.arinto@upou.edu.ph.
UP Open University celebrates 14th anniversary
On 25-27 February 2009, the UP Open University (UPOU) will mark its 14th Foundation Day. The celebration, with the theme "Building Global Learning Communities," will kick-off with the laying of the time capsule in the site where the Centennial Center for Digital Learning Building will rise; and with the ribbon cutting ceremonies at the newly-built Oblation Hall. These ceremonies will be led by Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, President of the UP System; Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Chancellor of the UPOU; and other officials of the university.. more (Date posted: January 26, 2009)
Closing ceremonies for graduates of nonformal courses
The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) held the Awarding and Closing Program for the graduates of two nonformal courses on entrepreneurship -- the New Enterprise Planning (NEP) and Personal Entrepreneurial Development (PED) -- on 13 December 2008 at the UPOU Audio-Visual Room in Los Baños, Laguna. The NEP course has 15 graduates while PED has 19.
Mr. Jommar A. De Guzman, an alumnus of both PED and NEP courses, shared his thoughts and experiences as an entrepreneur. He said that the knowledge and information he learned from the courses helped a lot in running the business entrusted to him by his investors.
Dean Maria Fe V. Mendoza of FMDS, Ms. Angela A. Cielo and Engr. Meynard I. Ricarte, PED and NEP Course Coordinators, respectively, handed out to the graduates their certificates of completion. (date posted: 1/12/09)
UPOU participates in the UP Lantern Parade
The UP Open University, led by its Associate in Arts (AA) students, participated in the UP Lantern Parade. The parade, which is a much-awaited annual event at the university, has come to “symbolize how UP constituents, residents, alumni, and friends gather together to present the best they have to offer while celebrating the holidays as one community” (UP Newsletter Volume XXIX, No 12, 2008-12-01).
For more photos, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jericotolentino/sets/72157611378534670/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/liza_gelisan/sets/72157612221101629/
http://www.upoucommunity.net/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=categories&Itemid=58
For interesting facts about the UP Lantern Parade go to:
http://www.up.edu.ph/upnewsletter.php?i=579
Award for UPOU Associate in Arts Students
The LBSCFI Steering Committee Meets at UPOU
UPOU signs MOU with CABTS, China
The Central Agricultural Broadcasting and Television School (CABTS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UP Open University (UPOU) on16 October 2008 in Tianjin, China.
CABTS is the world's largest distance learning institution catering to farmers, rural housewives and extension workers averaging 980,000 enrollees per semester. It has been recognized by the People's Republic of China as the cradle of China's progressive farmers.
Highlights of the MOU include the exploration of opportunities for cooperation in the areas of university personal visit and exchange (for both academic and non-academic university staff), graduate student exchange and course enrollment, joint research in disciplines and research areas of mutual interest and joint academic activities such as seminars, workshops, training, and the like.
With the formalization of the partnership, the UPOU can now look forward to having continuing exchanges with the People's Republic of China. (Emely M. Amoloza-FICS)
Flor receives SEARCA Professorial Chair Award
Dr. Alexander G. Flor was awarded the SEARCA Professorial Chair by the University of the Philippines System effective July 2008 until June 2009.
Dr. Flor is currently Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies. He is known for his work on the digital divide in Asia, information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D), knowledge management for natural resources management, and environmental communication.more(Date posted: Nov. 17, 2008)
UPOU and LAMP2 ink MOU to develop land valuation and management courses
The UP Open University and the Land Administration and Management Project Phase 2 (LAMP 2) entered into an agreement to develop globally recognized non-degree and degree programs that will professionalize the land valuation and management service in the Philippines. The programs, which will be delivered through distance education in 2010, will adopt the international standards for land valuation.
Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso said that the pioneering work of collaboration between UPOU and LAMP2 that will help develop professional land valuators accredited all over the world comes at "an opportune time for making transnational education work for all of us...it is a time when we make technology help us connect and interact with immediacy within and among learning communities globally."
The UPOU and LAMP2 signed the Memorandum of Understanding on 30 October 2008 at the Sulo Hotel, Quezon City.
LAMP is an inter-agency project led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ)/ Land Registration Authority (LRA) and the Department of Finance (DOF), with funding support from the World Bank and Technical assistance from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). (Luisa A. Gelisan, OC).
Book on DE in the Philippines Off the Press
Distance Education in the Philippines, Issues and Concerns, the first comprehensive book on distance education in the Philippines, has just been released by the UP Open University. Authored by Dr. Felix Librero, former Chancellor of UPOU, the book comprises of 18 chapters, divided into three parts. Part 1 covers basic issues and concerns that have been expounded upon in various academic discussions in past conferences but remain significant discourse points today. Part 2 deal with issues and concerns that have been observed resulting from first hand experiences in the UP Open University. Finally, Part 3 deals with issues and concerns that go beyond the UPOU and the Philippines. more(Date posted: Nov. 14, 2008)
WARNING: Beware of Non-UP websites and emails
Pleased be advised that donations to the University may be made through the UP Oblation Fund via deposits to the DBP (Quezon Avenue) Savings Account No. 5-01317-460-8 or to LBP (Katipunan, QC) Savings Account No. 1462-2220-21 for peso donations and Savings Account No. 1464-0032-46 for dollar (Dollar Swift Code: TLBPPHMMAXXX). For more information on donating to UP, please visit the UP Centennial website.
Be wary of individuals and/or groups who have been using the name of the University of the Philippines on the internet to solicit credit card information from unsuspecting and well-meaning people through the guise of aiding UP students win scholarships.
The University condemns such devious practices that not only seek to undermine UP's reputation but also take advantage of the public at large. We enjoin everyone to report such individuals or groups to the UP administration immediately.
UP did not participate in the THES-QS university rankings
Source: UP Mewsletter (http://www.up.edu.ph/)
In the 2008 university rankings recently released by the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the University of the Philippines rose from 398 in 2007 to 276 this year. Ateneo de Manila University rose from 401-500 to 254. De La Salle University was ranked 415th and the University of Santo Tomas was ranked 470th. more(Date posted: Nov. 14, 2008)
Chancellor Alfonso talks on the 5 generations of ODL
The UP Open University which has been in operation for almost 14 years continues to develop and reinvent itself to answer the ever changing circumstance and varying needs of its learners.
Dr. Grace J. Alfonso, Chancellor of the UP Open University, speaking before the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) on 19 September 2008 at the Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City, presented the five generations of open and distance learning (ODL) that the UPOU had gone through. more(Date posted: Oct. 2, 2008)