The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held the second series of the Edu-Hack podcast on 12 May 2020 with Connectivity and Networks as the topic of the discussion. This episode featured four panel members, two of which came from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), from a telecommunication service provider, and two from the Education Sector.
This episode, aptly themed “Institutional adaptation to disruptions in higher learning,” was a combination of how representatives of the education sector, DICT and a TelCo adopted the disruption in learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Alexander G. Flor, Professor and Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), moderated the 90-minute session. As if taunting the topic, connectivity issues were encountered by Dr. Flor, but Dr. Melinda dela Pena Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU, was quick to step up and served as co-moderator with him.
The episode started with representatives from the Education Sector sharing the challenges and readiness of their institutions for the “new normal” in education. First to present was Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Cavite State University (CAVSU). She shared the results of a survey done on CAVSU students and faculty on their readiness for online learning. According to her, it was a serious challenge for CAVSU but they have created a plan to deal with the disruptions and implement flexible learning arrangements for AY 2020-2021.
Ms. Conchita Martha B. Mirabueno, President of the Pambayang Kolehiyo ng Mauban (Quezon) shared a different story. Most of the students within the forty barangays of Mauban, Quezon have little to no internet connection so the Pambayang Kolehiyo ng Mauban plans to implement the Blended Learning in Rural Areas. However, the problem of students not owning computers and having internet connection still remains. She mentioned the institution’s dependence on partnerships, and for her, “survival today lies in innovation and flexibility.”
Mr. Juan Victor Hernandez, Senior Vice President for Enterprise of PLDT and Smart, shared that the pandemic took everybody by surprise so the PLDT and SMART had to shift their focus from revenue to service. According to Mr. Hernandez, internet traffic increased tremendously and moved from the business districts to the residential areas. In terms of the internet for the education sector, he said that PLDT is working with Learning Management Systems providers for traffic to remain in the country instead of being hooked from abroad. This will allow teachers and students to access the LMS more easily at lower cost.
Alona H. Isidro, Officer-in-Charge Director of the DICT National Broadband Program (NBP), presented the projects that the NBP has embarked on. This includes the National Fiber Backbone, Cable Landing Stations, Accelerated Tower Build, Accelerated Fiber Build and the Satellite Overlay, and Free WiFi Project. She also shared that the DICT is working with the private sector and common power providers to realize the 5G facility in the country, although a discussion on its regulation is still ongoing.
Dr. Flor asked some of the questions that some of the 1362 online participants posted, most of which were answered by the DICT and PLDT. Dr. Flor ended the episode thanking the panel members and citing the June 2015 Paris agreement on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education.
The second episode of “Edu-Hack: Navigating through a Turbulent Educational Landscape” may be viewed on UPOU Networks (https://networks.upou.edu.ph/). Edu-Hack is UPOU’s effort to discuss how Philippine universities are responding and adapting to disruptions in higher education brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Edu-Hack is also part of the #OPENFight program, UPOU’s banner program for all efforts towards coping and managing resources amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainable Development Goals
Written by Anna Canas-Llamas
Edited by Joane V. Serrano
Graphics by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta
#UPOpenUniversity
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