The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) conducted a benchmarking activity for Saint Louis University (SLU) on 20 September 2024 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
Dr. Myra Almodiel, Director of UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA), received the visitors from SLU and led the discussions. The delegation from SLU, led by Dr. Faridah Kristi Wetherick, Dean of the School of Advanced Studies, included Graduate Program Coordinators Dr. Geraldine Wakat, Ms. Leilani De Guzman, Mr. Marcelino Lunag Jr., Mr. Mark Job Bascos, and Mr. Gulliver Eric Alawas. They explored UPOU’s strategies and practices in open and distance e-learning, focusing on areas such as faculty load, Continuing Education Programs (CEPs), the process of self-developing course materials, and UPOU’s Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as a public service initiative in compliance with RA 10650, the Open Distance Learning Act.
The discussion delved into Microcedentials– the UPOU’s policies and guidelines and the best practices and challenges in offering them. Dr. Almodiel talked about the credit loading of the microcredentials and short courses, and the possibilities of MOOCs and CEPs to be credited as microcredentials. She elaborated on the concept of “stackable” microcredentials, allowing learners to accumulate credentials from these short courses and build them to larger credentials over time. Additionally, she mentioned the development of the Microcredential Consortium, which aims to discuss the processes and policies for unit crediting, ensure quality assurance, and establish a more unified framework and assessment checklist.
SLU is interested in exploring potential opportunities for long-term collaboration with UPOU in the future. In line with RA 10650 and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UPOU plays a key role in fostering collaboration among various institutions and organizations. This effort aims to provide accessible, high-quality education while promoting shared progress in the field of education.
Written by Marinela Hernandez ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photo by Anna Mhari Duria
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