Chancellor Joane Serrano (center) with Roberto Figueroa, Jr. (fifth from left), Takayuki Konno (sixth from left), Eric Hawkinson (right), and students from the University of the Philippines Open University and Meisei University.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) reinforces its commitment to internationalized, technology-enabled education by continuously exploring future directions for global academic collaboration.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano welcomed faculty members, students, and partners during the Blended Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Project with Japan-based MeiSei University. The activity marked the final phase of the COIL collaboration, bringing together students from the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS)and Master’s in Information Systems (MIS) programs, alongside students from MeiSei University.
Students from UPOU’s BAMS and MIS programs actively engaged with their counterparts from Meisei University, showcasing the collaborative outputs and shared learning developed throughout the project. The blended format enabled meaningful academic exchange while bridging geographic and cultural boundaries.
Also present was FICS Dean Roberto Figueroa, Jr., who has consistently championed the expansion of COIL initiatives across UPOU faculties and partner institutions. He emphasized the role of COIL as a strategic approach to internationalization, encouraging more programs and universities to adopt collaborative online learning models.
Representing Meisei University was Dr. Takayuki Konno, the institutional lead for the COIL collaboration with UPOU. He expressed his appreciation for the partnership and the deepening collaborative projects with UPOU.
Joining the discussion was UPOU Visiting Professor, Dr. Eric Hawkinson of Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. As a visiting professor, Dr. Hawkinson noted his role in supporting the development of the WILLS learning space, which aims to further enhance immersive and collaborative learning environments at UPOU.
The meeting also opened conversations on prospective joint projects, including the use of virtual reality in education, the development of pioneering digital portals in Asia, and possible academic exchanges connected to initiatives such as Project Lakbay.
Overall, the activity highlighted how sustained international collaboration through COIL can enrich learning experiences, promote innovation, and strengthen global academic networks.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
