Distance Learning Education in the Philippines

Distance Learning Education in the Philippines

Introduction

Distance learning schools in the Philippines usually operate on a modular program basis, wherein self-instructional modules are given for home study, while assignments have to be submitted and examinations physically taken on campus. (Ramos, Nangit, Ranga, Triñona 2007)

Discussion

Degree programs have to be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (www.ched.gov.ph). As of this date, only the following schools offer distance learning degree programs:

Asian Institute for Distance Education - offers modular degree programs in BS Business Administration, AB English, and AB Political Science. The system operates on a self-study module basis, with occasional submission of module tests, and taking of proctored final examinations at the school office. Address is at AIDE Office, Unit 302, Greenbelt Mansion, Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. AIDE is the oldest existing distance learning college in the Philippines, operating since 1984. (Ramos & Triñona 2009)

College Foundation Inc. - offers modular baccalaureate programs in arts and sciences, and graduate programs in business administration and education. The system follows that of the AIDE, plus an option to study via the internet. The school can be reached at 5/F CAP II Building, 149 Legaspi St., Makati City.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University - offers modular programs in MBA, MPA, and other fields. Check the school at www.pup.edu.ph. University of the Philippines Open University - offers modular programs in Associate in Arts, MA, MBA, MPM, MS, PhD in Education, and certificate courses. Check the school at www.upou.org. (Ramos, Nangit, Ranga, Triñona 2007)

Penn Foster Career School - offers certificate, diploma and high school programs online or via correspondence. Check the school at www.pennfosterglobal.edu. The Philippine office is at Suite 907, OMM-CItra Building, San MIguel Ave., Pasig City. Tel. No. 632-6375590. The school is not accredited by any Philippine government agency but is accredited by the Distance Education & Training Council, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All modules follow the system in Penn Foster College in Pennsylvania, Thomson Education Direct in Australia and the International Correspondence Schools in the U.K. (Batpurev & Buyandelger 2009)

De La Salle Professional Schools Graduate School of Business - offers online courses leading to MBA and DBA degrees. However, only some courses can be taken online. Majority of the course content require classroom atendance. Check the school at www.gsb.dls-psi.edu.ph .

Schools which offer full academic degree programs via distance learning that are duly recognized by the Philippine government, through accreditation with the Commission on Higher Education, are shown below. Their programs enjoy the same legal status and privileges as those offered in traditional colleges and universities, and are eligible for credit to other institutions of higher learning. (Bacon 2001)Although one of Asia's least developed nations, Philippine is experiencing early success in the use of DE for urban and rural training; in fact, it has been determined that the delivery of education in Philippine cannot be sustained without it (Amarsaikhan et al., 2009). It is imperative for Philippine to examine effective and ...