Founded last February 23, 1995 - as the “fifth constituent university of the University of the Philippines System” [1], the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) continuously offers distance learning for people who desire to get higher education. UPOU caters to students who want to upgrade their academic record but do not have time to enroll in traditional modes of education. It aims to “give its students formal qualification, as well as to develop in them the discipline and capability to become lifelong learners who are at home in today's knowledge society” [1]. How did I come across UPOU and what made me enroll in this school?
The Internet introduced me to UPOU (http://www.upou.edu.ph). I have been aspiring for a master’s degree but I can’t afford to study, work and be a Mom of two kids all at the same time. (I’m not a super woman!) But the desire to study did not weaken, instead it pushed me to seriously consider it – it became top in my prayer list.
December 2004, I decided to apply in UPOU. I prepared all the requirements – accomplished the Application for Admission, original Transcript of Records, two letters of recommendation, photos (2x2 and 1x1, two pcs. each), medical certificate, and a 500-word essay [1] – expressing my desire to enroll in UPOU. After submitting the requirements and payment of application fee, I was still hoping that I will be admitted.
It was in June 2005, after a long wait – thank God, I was admitted. I enrolled in MIS (Master in Information System) and was so eager to start the semester with six (6) units – IS 201 (Computer Ethics) and IS 214 (Principles of Programming Languages). The semester started with the FIC (Faculty-In-Charge) and students’ introduction in the e-classroom, a virtual classroom - where students meet and discuss topics given by the tutor/ FIC. Is distance learning in UPOU easy?
For me it was not that easy! One has to be disciplined, dedicated and a self-motivated student to thrive in UPOU. The FICs are professors of UP Diliman and UP Los Banos – Chancellor Grace Alfonso, Dr. Alexander Flor, Dr. Concepcion Khan, Dr. Perla Legaspi, Dr. Eliezer Albacea, Prof. Westergaard, Prof. Jaderick Pabico, and Prof. Al Librero are only a few of them. An average of 2.0 (or better) is required for the student to take the COMPRE (Comprehensive examination) that covers 18 major courses. Passing COMPRE is the prerequisite to IS295B (Information System Project II) and also a requirement for graduation.
I learned a lot from my studies in UPOU. The F2F (Face-to-face) tutorials, study group sessions, and discussions in Moodle (online classroom) helped greatly. I studied my lessons based on the course outline given by the FIC at my own pacing. Traffic is not a problem since I don’t go to a physical classroom. I can save on transportation expenses – save on money and time. I can participate in the discussions anytime – at my most convenient time. All I need is a computer and Internet access. I learn not only from my FICs and tutors but also from my e-classmates in the Philippines and abroad.
My last semester (1st sem. 2008) is over. I am so grateful to God for helping me make it up to this point of my stay in UPOU. It was not a stroll at the park but an undertaking that needs commitment and hard work but still - is enjoyable! Indeed, it is a great privilege and opportunity to be part of UPOU.
[1] University of the Philippines Open University. http://www.upou.edu.ph/
