UPOU launches Edu-Hack, a Podcast on Crises Adaptation for Higher Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has created such a disruption in our lives. But as affected as we may be, we still find ways to rise above the situation. 

So, in response to the clamor of shifting to online teaching and learning due to this crisis, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has initiated a number of efforts to aid Philippine education institutions. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) and open educational resources (OERs) were made available for free to train teachers in online learning. 

Another one of its efforts is the launch of a podcast to discuss how Philippine universities are responding and adapting to disruptions in higher education brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast, “Edu-Hack: Navigating through a Turbulent Educational Landscape,” will be a regular 40 to 60-minute podcast live streamed twice a month by UPOU.

The maiden podcast will be a panel discussion titled “How are Philippine Universities Responding to Disruptions in Education Brought About by COVID-19 Pandemic?” This will be moderated by Dr. Alexander G. Flor, Dean and Professor of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, with resource persons from UPOU and two esteemed universities. This discussion will cover a moderated panel interview as well as individual interview. 

Joining the first podcast are Dr. Melinda dela Pena Bandalaria, UPOU Professor and Chancellor; Dr. Abegayle Machelle M. Perez-Chua, University of Batangas Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Antonio P. Contreras, De La Salle University Professor and President of the Association of Faculty and Educators.

Edu-Hack will be live streamed on 28 April 2020 at 9:00 AM via the UPOU Networks (https://networks.upou.edu.ph/). To join the discussion, register via this link: https://networks.upou.edu.ph/podcast/.

More topics are lined up for Edu-Hack such as Open and Distance eLearning, Networks and Connectivity, Institutional Preparedness, Agility and Resilience, Scenarios of the New Normal in Higher Education, and The University of the Future. Watch out for the schedules which will be posted on UPOU’s Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/UPOpenUniversity.