Mariano Marcos
State University

UPOU-led consortium trains MMSU in e-learning initiatives

Five Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) officials underwent training by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Consortium for Open Distance Education Providers in the Philippines (CODEPP) during a July 7–8 online workshop focused on strengthening the university’s open and distance e-learning (ODeL) initiatives.

The MMSU delegation participated in the workshop titled "CODEPP Elevate 2026: Integrating AI, Strengthening Quality Assurance, and Expanding Reach through MOOCs and Microcredentials." Representing the university were Dr. Doreen Domingo, dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Regie Boy Fabro, chief of the Open and Distance e-Learning Programs; Prof. Bryan Eli Sadorra, chief of the Instructional Materials Development; Dr. Jareason Fabre, chief of the International Accreditation; and Dr. Marc Paul Calzada, program coordinator of the Doctor of Education and Master of Arts in Education major in Early Childhood Education programs.

The workshop was built on the foundational ODeL course design training conducted by CODEPP in 2025 and addressed the evolving needs of member institutions to strengthen digital learning ecosystems. It focused on integrating artificial intelligence into online teaching and learning, enhancing institutional quality assurance systems, and developing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and stackable microcredentials to expand access to flexible and lifelong learning.

Participants also learned strategies for aligning their ODeL initiatives with the quality assurance frameworks of the Commission on Higher Education, the Asian Association of Open Universities, and the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance, and explored the ethical and effective use of AI in course development, learner engagement, and assessment. The training concluded with the development of institutional outputs, including an accreditation readiness checklist, an AI-integrated lesson prototype, and a conceptual blueprint for a microcredential or MOOC.

Dr. Fabro said the training was part of the university's preparations for implementing online distance e-learning and the eventual establishment of the MMSU Open University.

"This training strengthens our capabilities in AI-enhanced teaching, quality assurance, and the development of MOOCs and microcredentials to ensure accessible and quality learning," he said.

The capability-building initiative supported MMSU's long-term ODeL agenda. During his State of the University Address on January 19, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. announced the university's target of operationalization of the MMSU Open University by 2027 to provide quality and flexible learning modalities.

Established in 2022, CODEPP is composed of eight higher education institutions committed to strengthening open and distance education in the Philippines. Its founding members are the University of the Philippines Open University, Benguet State University, Cavite State University, Central Luzon State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Ifugao State University, Mariano Marcos State University, and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. Through collaboration, capacity building, academic partnerships, research initiatives, and resource sharing, the consortium supports the growth and sustainability of ODeL programs nationwide. (𝘑𝘊𝘍)