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IZZY LEE

MANILA — The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has experienced a substantial increase in the number of applicants for its free online courses this year. With a diverse range of 24 courses offered this year under the Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), UPOU is making quality education accessible to Filipinos worldwide.Dr. Myra Almodiel, associate professor and director of the Office of Public Affairs at UPOU, said the university&#x27;s vision is to provide specially designed access to quality education for Filipinos.&quot;Gusto naming bigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating kapwa Pilipino na saan man sila sa mundo o dito sa Pilipinas na nagnanais na kumuha ng courses na hindi nila kaya pag sila ay nagwo-work, may disabilities or sila ay nasa ibang bansa,&quot; she said.This initiative aligns with the mandate of Republic Act 10650 or the Open Distance Learning Law, which aims to offer training to communities as part of public service.The first MOOC was offered in 2013. In 2015, MOOCs were developed in open educational resources model, with only 10 offerings, catering to a mere 1,700 initial users.Fast forward to January this year: The university proudly boasts more than 145,000 enrolled students.&quot;Ang laki talaga ng itinaas and we are very happy kasi ito talaga ‘yung gusto naming mangyari kasi sayang ‘yung mga courses na in-o-offer namin na libre,&quot; Almodiel said.Emphasizing accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity, UPOU encourages anyone interested in their courses to apply.The registration process simply involves filling out a basic online form with essential details.&quot;Anyone can apply as much as possible ang ina-advocate kasi namin dito is accessible courses, more flexible courses, inclusive courses... Anybody na maiintindihan na niya &#x27;yung courses na gusto niyang kunin wala pong problema... This is all free. Walang kailangan i-submit na TOR or diploma or anything,&quot; Almodiel explained.Each course, spanning 4 to 8 weeks, offers a user-friendly portal housing all necessary materials, assessments, and discussion forums. Learners have the freedom to complete the courses at their own pace, receiving their certificates upon course completion. The certificates hold value not only in skill acquisition but also as a credential that can be showcased to employers.The top five courses gaining popularity include Educational Media Production, Gender-Responsive Education, Child Rights Protection and Promotion, ODEL Teacher Accreditation, and Social Entrepreneurship.<div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/1/31/up-open-university-offers-24-free-online-courses-to-boost-your-resume-1036">UP Open University offers 24 free online courses to boost your resume</a></div><div>FREE ONLINE DEGREE</div>Meanwhile, in the Open University of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP OU), seven undergraduate courses are offered for free, including business administration, entrepreneurship, marketing, and office administration.&quot;Walang babayaran; it&#x27;s all free. We cater basically for working individuals who were not able to finish college. The undergraduate programs of the open university is all about second chances,&quot; said Jerome Dumlao, head of the Instructional Materials Office at PUP OU.The program witnessed a significant increase in applicants, growing from 4,000 at the start of the pandemic to 10,500 in the last semester.Applicants are required to submit documents such as transcripts of records, certificates of employment, and referral letters.The institution also utilizes an online portal where all learning materials are accessible.&quot;In Open University, we are fully online; we use video telephony for our classes. We have what we call the compressed semester, meaning we design the particular program with the working student in mind. That they don’t have to meet online for 18 times, but they just have to meet four times,&quot; Dumlao said.

With a diverse range of 24 courses offered monthly under the Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), UPOU is making quality education accessible to Filipinos worldwide.

With a diverse range of 24 courses offered monthly under the Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), UPOU is making quality education accessible to Filipinos worldwide.

Enrollees surge as universities offer free online courses

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Enrollees surge as universities offer free online courses

IZZY LEE,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 02, 2024 06:34 PM PHT

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Updated February 05, 2024 05:28 PM PHT

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