[March 15, 2009] A school with no walls: The distance learning solution Tweet Mar 16, 2009 (The Manila Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The right credential may spell the difference between promotion and stagnation in one's career. But for individuals who are juggling their time between work and family, getting additional education in a regular campus setting is sometimes next to impossible. Enter the solution: distance education. While the concept of distance learning seems to be an ultramodern concept, the idea actually dates back to 1728 when Caleb Philips taught the new method of shorthand writing via correspondence. The University of London offered its External Program in 1858 making it the first university to offer distance-learning degrees. The establishment of postal service during the 19th century gave way to the boon of correspondence schools and colleges in the West. To date, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is the most credible distance learning institution in the country. Established in 1995, the UPOU is the fifth constituent of the University of the Philippines System whose mandate is to provide education opportunities to individuals who want higher education credentials but are unable to complete his studies in a regular campus set up. The UPOU offers various degree programs that include associate, bachelor, post-baccalaureate, master and doctorate. Nonformal and certicate programs are also available at the UPOU. "In my case, I took a combination of online and face-to-face sessions. About 90 percent of my studies were done online and the remaining 10 percent with face-to-face sessions," shares Leslie Ann Jose, a communications professional who earned her Master's degree in Professional Studies in Development Communication from the UPOU. Jose stresses that self- discipline and motivation are important attributes a student must possess if he opted to complete his study via distance education. She completed her master's degree requirements in a period of two-and-a-half years while working full-time as a public relations practitioner. Jose describes a typical study session as reading through her study materials called "modules" in the wee hours of the morning and submitting her assignments online. She narrates that examinations were conducted in UPOU learning centers, which are situated in various locations around the country. Jose relates that such tests occurred four or five times every semester. On the fruit of her labor, she comments, "It enabled me to fulfill my plan to shift from public relations to development communication. I now work with an international organization which promotes biodiversity conservation in the Asean region." The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) had cited the achievements of the UPOU by declaring it the National Center of Excellence in Open Learning and Distance Education. While the potential is great, the CHEd is exercising a slowly-but-surely approach in promoting distance learning, "That can be gradually developed," says CHEd Chairman Emmanuel Angeles, adding, "The technological adeptness and access to a computer of the majority of Filipinos must be considered." With the greater accessibility of computers and the Internet, Filipinos today have the option to enroll in either local or foreign distance learning schools. "If in doubt of the credibility of a distance learning institution, a potential student should consult our office," admonishes Rita Sescar, a technical staff of the CHEd. Sescar relates that matters concerning distance education and online learning are covered by the Policies and Guidelines for Transnational Education of the CHEd. "If the situation calls for it, our agency coordinates with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Bureau of Investigation to check on dubious foreign educational institutions," she adds. Sescar points out that it is the employer who has the last word on whether a credential earned via distance learning would be honored, "That is why the reputation of a particular institution is also very important," she says. Besides the fact that it requires a great deal of self-discipline, other factors make online learning not suited for everyone. The two biggest drawbacks of this mode of learning is that it promotes social isolation and it presents less opportunity for a student to develop his oral communication skills. But for those who believe that distance education is the solution for their quest for higher learning, a better credential is just a mouse click away. To see more of The Manila Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.manilatimes.net. 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