by Jamsie Joy E. Perez
Dean Primo G. Garcia led the research conversation with the topic on Mission R.A 10650 last 16 June at the Sandbox, CCDL, UPOU.
The session started with a brief introduction on the role of the UP Open University in fulfilling its mandate as the premiere open university in the field of distance and e-learning in the country through the Republic Act 10650 or also known as Open and Distance Learning Law such as providing technical assistance in curricula development for open and distance learning (ODL) program, share innovative ideas and research for other ODL institutions. Moreover, UPOU’s share in the achievement of the act includes the following: development of information and communication technologies for ODL, provide and design quality learning materials for ODL institutions in the Philippines, and capacitate teachers and practitioners in ODL. This year, UPOU is striving to fill in the roles as mandated in the ODL act which led to the conceptualization of the Mission R.A. 10650 together with other flagship programs of the university.
The Research Conversation provided a venue to discuss and share researchable areas on Mission RA 10650 and with that, collaboration among UPOU faculty members and staff surfaced. Some of the researchable areas shared by Dean Garcia were grouped into four, namely, capacity building, technical assistance, instructional models, and innovative research in ODL which all fit into the role the UPOU is taking in the implementation of the ODL act.
The researchable areas shared by Dean Garcia were as follows:
- Capacity building
- Training needs assessment
- Training course evaluation
Technical Assistance
- Quality Assurance (QA) framework
- ICT infrastructure policy
- Accreditation policy
Instructional models
- ODeL-based curriculum research
- Learning materials development and evaluation
- Innovative technology for ODeL
Innovative research in ODL
- Issues and concerns of institutions on DE
- Combining traditional and new media in ODL
