By Maria Kathrina Ysabel A. Antonio, StratCom Correspondent

Innovative efforts for inclusive hybrid learning are being tackled in the 5th International Congress on eLearning hosted by the Mariano Marcos State University. Conducted by the Philippine eLearning Society (PeLS) on September 7-9 at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning, the international congress highlighted the efforts of educational institutions in championing eLearning. 

The event convened hundreds of higher education leaders and educators from various higher education institutions in the Philippines and in other countries. More than 20 experts served as resource speakers. 

PeLS President Janice Antoinette Forster emphasized the rapid implementation of eLearning over the years especially during the pandemic. “It is high time for our communities to build a stable, resilient and inclusive eLearning environment,” she expressed. 

In her keynote address, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the crucial role of eLearning for professionals and students in today’s reality. She also shared the initiatives and experiences of the university in attaining digitalization and globalization. 

Dr. Agrupis thanked the PeLS for choosing MMSU as host of this year’s eLearning congress, saying this reaffirms the university’s commitment to become a leading academic institution for digital transformation. 

Also present in the event were Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University; Prof. Ojat Darojat, rector of the Universitas Terbuka Indonesia and President of the Asian Association of Open Universities; and Dr. Ferdinand Pitagan, director of the Information and Communications Technology Service of the Department of Education. 

Dr. Saturnina Nisperos, dean of MMSU College of Computing and Information Sciences, said the event was sponsored by the Microsmith Technology Systems, Inc., Canvas by Instructure, Nephila Web Technology Inc., C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions, YFC-BonEagle, and the Department of Agriculture.

Founded on July 30, 2003, PeLS is the country’s premier organization in promoting substantive content and appropriate use of technology for eLearning. For the year 2023-2024, the organization is composed of nine officers and board of trustees, including Prof. Wilben Christie Pagtaconan, MMSU information and technology director. 

The 4th edition of the Congress was held in September 2019 in Bohol. (HLY/JVBT/DPT, StratCom)