The UPOU-ICU Knowledge Exchange Project, co-sponsored by the Japan International Christian University Foundation (JICUF), successfully concluded its week-long initiative on the 22nd of March, 2025. Organized by the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) in collaboration with the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) and the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), the event fostered meaningful academic dialogue and strengthened institutional ties between the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and International Christian University (ICU) in Japan.

Week in Review: Key Activities and Engagements

The exchange officially commenced on 18 March 2025, following a welcome reception on 17 March 2025, where Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., FICS Associate Professor and incoming Dean, warmly greeted the ICU delegation. The delegation was accompanied by UPOU fellows from the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) and Bachelor of Education Studies (BES) programs, led by UPOU-USC Chairperson Jana Denise Tomacruz.

Throughout the week, the ICU delegates engaged in a series of academic and cultural exchanges. Highlights included:

  • A visit to TVUP and the UP Open University office at the DICTBuilding in UP Diliman, where Dr. Figueroa provided an overview of UPOU’s initiatives, was followed by a tour of key areas of the UP Diliman campus on 18 March 2025.
  • A trip to the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, on 19 March 2025, where the delegates participated in a tour around the vicinity of UPOU. The delegates attended a meeting with the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) to learn about Project LAKBAY and to visit the FMDS Perma GARDEN.
  • A courtesy call with UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano in the morning of 20 March 2025 is followed by a hybrid special FICS Masterclass in the afternoon. The Masterclass featured Dr. Craig Howard and Mr. Fabio Spano, who delivered an engaging lecture on instructional design cases and the design case of an AI-powered gamified dictionary at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium.

Strengthening Academic Partnerships

The UPOU-ICU Knowledge Exchange Project successfully facilitated knowledge-sharing on immersive open pedagogies, digital learning innovations, instructional design cases, and intercultural communication. Participants from both institutions expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations and research initiatives, emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in higher education.

With the success of the 2025 exchange, both institutions look forward to continuing their partnership, reinforcing their commitment to promoting innovation and academic excellence in the digital age.

Written by Joy Rebulanan ♦ Edited by: Roberto Figueroa, Jr. ♦ Post from FICS

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UP Open University (UPOU)

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UP Open University (UPOU)
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