PUP Open University System

Sharing the good news about PUP Open University System

Overview The PUP Open University System is located at the Main Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the most populous state university in the country. The institution services the educational needs of those who could not be regular students attending classroom-based instruction: those wishing to return to school, shift and field workers, government and private employees, undergraduates. Being a state institution, it offers low tuition and a flexible system of education. International Affiliations The PUP Open University System is an accredited member of the International Council on Distance Education (ICDE) and the Asian Association for Open Universities (AAOU). It has been recognized by UNESCO Asia Pacific Region for Higher Education Knowledge Based on Open and Distance Learning in Bangkok, Thailand since 2003. Program Management The PUP OUS operates under the mandate of the main PUP which reviews and approves every course it offers. Its own systems and structures are based on the traditional systems but have been reengineered to incorporate the philosophy of distance education. The PUP OUS administrators have set high performance standards for its staff, subject facilitators and students. The school continues to develop its flexibility, innovation and adaptability by implementing a program anchored on the results of institutional research on various aspects of its operation: instructions, learners, and context analyses, designing assessment instruments, formative and summative evaluation of instruction. Many enroll at the PUP OUS because of the quality of interpersonal and professional relationships they establish with their subject specialists and supportive and friendly OUS staff. A regular staff development program serves as the school's outreach and extension service to its mother university. The school puts up regular publications: The PUP OU Journal, OU Reader, Instructional Materials Series, List of Books in Open and Distance Learning, List of Books and References in Education, Public Administration, Communication, ICT, Entrepreneurship and other materials about Distance Education and PUP OUS Programs. Facilities and Student Support Services PUP OUS students have full access to the facilities of the mother university. They can avail themselves of internet and research services at the PUP ICT Office. An active PUP OUS Student Council and program organizations offer opportunities for actual participation in student-initiated activities covering their wide range of interests. For potential and new students, the institution has a video presentation, a PowerPoint presentation, a frequently asked question handout, brochures and an orientation seminar to provide information to anyone interested to know about the PUP OUS. The Registrar and the Student Services Office provide comprehensive academic, career guidance, including other assistance like referrals and counselling services. A monthly newsletter, the OU Reader, informs the students and stakeholders of the various activities in the institution and developments in the field of open and distance education. Curriculum and Materials Development The teaching materials used in the PUP OUS are predominantly printed. These are modules, supplementary instructional materials (containing updated information), course guides, guide questions, textbooks, handouts, and others. The traditional PUP curriculum is also used in the school. This indicates that the PUP OUS degree is comparable with those delivered in the regular classroom-based education. More importantly, this also means that the PUP OUS curriculum is a product of the collective efforts and academic expertise of 2,000-strong educators in the main campus and has passed the established curriculum development process. Its materials development is also anchored on the initiative of the main PUP. The university is currently busy working on its module writing program which started in 2007. To jumpstart the program, it is the PUP OUS which has taken a lead role in providing module writing seminars in different colleges as well as providing assistance through publications of module writing guidelines and format. In incorporating ICT in its system, the PUP OUS coordinates with PUPICT Office in transforming printed materials into various multi-media formats. The initial program to be offered via the online mode is the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Information Technology. It has put on line its own website, where basic information not only about PUP OUS, but also the field of open and distance learning is given. It has a download center and will soon feature e-mail, chat rooms and Moodle. Delivery Mode / Strategies The PUP OUS Institute of Open and Distance Education is known for its flexibility, individualization and adoption of new information, technologies in course development, production, delivery and student support. It is characterized by its mode of teaching and learning process in which a significant proportion of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner through specially designed materials and methods using appropriate technologies, and supported by organizational and administrative structures and arrangements. Students have to attend a number of contact sessions where formal lecture, discussions and face-to-face tests are conducted. These sessions are held on campus and on-site at the designated PUP OUS Learning Centers based on the course guide prepared and designed by the subject specialist. In online sessions, the students are expected to read prescribed references and supplemental materials and to submit required answer conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner through specially designed materials and methods using appropriate technologies, and supported by organizational and administrative structures and arrangements. Students have to attend number of contact sessions where formal lecture, discussions and face-to-face tests are conducted. These sessions are held on campus and on-site at the designated PUP OUS Learning Centers based on the course guide prepared and designated by the subject specialist. In online sessions, the students are expected to read prescribed references and supplemental materials and to submit required answers to the modules or guide questions and other research works via information and communication technology driven modes. Another distinguishing feature of PUP OUS is the requirement for the students to engage in research and produce written works. This trains the students to obtain information, distill it and apply their analytical and critical skills. Every semester, a lecture-forum is conducted with invited speakers who are distinguished professionals / experts in their field. The forum updates students on new developments in their area of study, complement theories learned in books and learn how these are applied into practice. They are encouraged to raise questions, dialogue and exchange ideas during this session.

https://www.pup.edu.ph/ous/iodet/profile