The UP Open University (UPOU) conducted an online benchmarking session with Star Colleges, Inc. on 22 January 2025 via Zoom. Dr. Myra Almodiel, Director of the UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA), and Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli Crisanto, Director of the UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO), facilitated the session.
The delegation from Star Colleges, Inc., led by Atty. Kara Russanne D. Alawas, School President, included Mr. Christopher Gaerlan, Program Coordinator; Mr. Ambrosio B. Alawas, Dean, College of Theology; Ma’am Annabelle D. Alawas, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ma’am Criselda G. Bantog, Program Coordinator; and Mr. Jeremiah Gnade P. Estolas, eCampus Director.
The session focused on UPOU’s practices in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL), potential areas for collaboration between the institutions, and faculty and staff training opportunities. Dr. Almodiel highlighted UPOU’s training offerings, which include programs on course design, learning management systems (LMS), quality assurance, and technical topics. These trainings are delivered in online or blended formats, ensuring flexibility and accessibility. She also introduced the latest Training Course on Course Design for Open and Distance eLearning offered by the University. Asst. Prof. Crisanto emphasized that UPOU’s Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) cover topics on Quality Assurance in ODeL, effectively serving as both learning resources and training programs. The session provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between UPOU and Star Colleges, Inc., fostering collaborative efforts to advance open and distance eLearning and enhance educational quality.
In line with RA 10650, the Open Distance Learning Act, and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UPOU plays a key role in fostering collaboration among various institutions and organizations. These efforts focus on delivering inclusive, high-quality education and promoting shared progress in the education sector.
Written by Marinela Hernandez ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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