Page 17 - Open and Distance Education In Asia : Good Practice From AAOU Members

Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) xv

statement states that OUSL’s goal is to The Philippines - UPOU
achieve excellence in life-changing education Distance education in the Philippines was
by offering equitable learning opportunities established through the initiatives of various
through open, distance, and flexible individuals and organizations which shaped
education while maintaining a commitment its development to its current status and
to excellence in teaching and research. One articulations. Most of the literature published
of the OUSL’s distinguishing features in about DE in the Philippines would trace it back
comparison to other OUs is its provision of to radio through the following initiatives: the
science-based degree programs, including an “farmers’ school” in 1952, Pacifico Sudario
accredited engineering degree that is on par in 1959; and the school format radio in
with those provided by Sri Lanka’s traditional 1963. Another important contribution to the
universities. As a DE university, the OUSL establishment of the DE in the Philippines
largely relies on printed and electronic lesson is the Science Teaching Using Distance
materials, enhanced using contemporary Instruction (STUDI) in 1984 by the University
technologies. All of the university’s courses of the Philippines Los Banos, which eventually
are currently provided online in one of three led to the establishment of the University of
formats: Supplementary, Blended, or Online- the Philippines Open University (UPOU) in
Plus. Each course will fall under one of the 1995. The Internet has played a significant
three classifications based on the quantity role in the development and transformation
of online participation that is offered for that of UPOU, especially since it enables the
particular course. Additionally, the OUSL has university to reach learners even beyond
been a leader in embracing new technologies the geographical confines of the country.
and approaches, such as e-learning and The online component was first formally
teaching materials based on Open Education incorporated into UPOU’s instructional
Resources (OER). delivery system in 2001, primarily to replace
face-to-face and teletutorial sessions and go

Introduction