The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Education (FEd) organized a workshop to make UPOU learning materials more accessible and mobile. The workshop, entitled "Development of Course Packages with Enhanced Accessibility and Mobility" was held on 24-26 January 2018 in Calamba, Laguna. With course material developers as the main participant's workshop aimed to (1) orient (or re-orient) module writers, instructional designers, and readers on the resource-based course package (RBCP) mode of developing learning materials implemented at UP Open University (UPOU); (2) discuss universal accessibility concepts and their integration in the redevelopment of selected FEd courses; and (3) provide a venue for writing the first drafts of selected course packages.
Dr. Sheila R. Bonito, full-time faculty and former director of the Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) of UPOU, and the current Dean of the College of Nursing in UP Manila, was invited to talk on the process and guidelines in developing an RBCP-type of course materials and modules.
On the other hand, Asst. Prof. Katherine K. Esteves, Senior Educational Developer at the College of Law, Australia National University (ANU), discussed integrating universal accessibility in the development of course packages. Asst. Prof. Esteves shared her knowledge and experience on basic accessibility and mobility concepts on developing course packages. She also emphasized that considering universal accessibility in course package development might be essential only to a few, but doing so proves that it can be useful to many.
During the workshop, faculty members were given opportunities to re-evaluate and revise their materials to have enhanced accessibility and mobility.
FEd Dean Dr. Ricardo T. Bagarinao brought the event to a close, highlighting that the output of the workshop will help improve course packages for effective teaching and learning, and fulfill the University's mission of providing quality higher education to and for everyone.
