The University of the Philippine Open University (UPOU) turned 23 years old on 23 February 2018. Continuing the path it has set for itself as the leader in open and distance eLearning (ODeL) in the Philippines and riding with thea tides of the times, UPOU pegs this year’s anniversary theme as “UPOU@23: Leading in ODeL towards Education 4.0.”
This year’s celebration focuses on Education 4.0 as a response to equip 21st century learners with the skills needed in the advent of the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0, which is characterized by cyber-physical systems enabled by cyber connectivity. In UPOU’s context, responding to the needs of the industry stems from its aspiration to help cast and mold Filipinos to be IR-ready, through openness in education and the resources, technology and pedagogy that goes with it.
UPOU’s 23rd Anniversary will highlight the launching of different projects including the UPOU Universal and Inclusive Accessibility Program which encompasses the university’s administrative and academic services; the UPOU Internal Communication System which is the university’s move for a more transparent, collaborative and interactive internal community; the launch of the Mobile App of the UPOU Networks, bringing open educational resources to more people in more fluid environments; and the physical launch of the book “Assessment Praxis in Open and Distance eLearning: Thoughts and Practices in UPOU,” a free and open educational resource that gives a glimpse of how a community of 21st century ODeL practitioners engage thought and practice to produce a unified and constantly adapting system of assessment in varied forms and functions.
Other events to look forward to is the recognition of the partners of the university and the awarding of the UPOU Gawad Chancellor, an award reserve only for the best performing and most outstanding of the employees. The celebration this year will also feature a screenplay featuring one of UPOU’s student artists.
The UPOU 23rd Anniversary will be graced by UP President Danilo Concepcion, along with other officials and partners of the university. The celebration on 26 February will be concluded by the yearly Family Day which will be devoted to recognizing loyal UPOU employees, and strengthening bonds among colleagues.
The UPOU Anniversary Week will also include the conduct of the 1st ASEANnale on 28 February to 2 March 2018. ASEANnale 2018 brings together the 1st Film and Multimedia Competition and Exhibition and the 2nd International Symposium on ASEAN Studies (2nd ISAS). With the theme “Capturing the Spirit of ASEAN in the Digital Times,” ASEANnale 2018 will showcase the creative and research works of higher education students and faculty members from the 10 member countries of ASEAN. Information about ASEANnale is availalble at aseannale.upou.edu.ph.
