As the first semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2024-2025 approaches, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) held a Training Workshop on Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). The event took place at the BiPSU gymnasium from July 15 to 16.

The workshop aimed to equip all BiPSU's teaching personnel with strategies to utilize the remaining hour of the three-hour weekly allotment for their courses, in response to the university's implementation of a shifting class system for the upcoming semester.

In his welcome message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. explained that the new class system, integrated with ODeL, could enhance education quality by reducing direct teaching hours to four to five hours daily. This adjustment allows teachers extra time for research, breaks, or module preparation.

“Actually, this ODeL, we believe that this will enhance the quality of education by reducing teaching hours from four to five hours only,” Dr. Cañezo stated.

“For example, for Shift 1, you’ll come here by 7 in the morning but you’re only supposed to teach from 7 to 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Since you are to serve eight hours, you’re still up to 4 o’clock here but your 1-4pm will not have any teaching loads. You can have your time for research, or some break, or even work on your modules,” he added.

The event featured three resource speakers. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, Assistant Professor at the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), discussed “Navigating and Winning A.I in Assessment Strategies;” Dr. Rita C. Ramos, also an FMDS Assistant Professor, presented on “Best Practices in ODeL Delivery;” and Mr. Lexter J. Mangubat, Deputy Director at the Education Media Production, addressed “Teaching Approaches and Pedagogies in the ODeL Setting.”

It is worth noting that classes for the first semester will start on July 22 for college students, July 29 for Laboratory High School (LHS) students, and August 3 for graduate students.

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