Cebu Normal University (CNU) successfully held its first Innovative Flex Learning Online Academic Training (iFLOAT) webinar series in preparation for the new normal in higher education.
The first phase of The Webinar Series on Synchronous and Asynchronous Teaching and Learning (T-L) for CNU Faculty Members was held on May 29 to June 5.
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“The first phase of the webinar series is so beneficial to all educators in facing the new normal in education. The approaches on module development and the different online teaching-learning platforms discussed are of great help and guide to teachers,” Dr. Niña Jen Canayong, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) faculty said.
Ms. Baby Jane Uytico, Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) faculty said that the webinar series truly upskilled and rewired the faculty members to fully equip them as front-liners in education.
The first phase of the iFLOAT was composed of four-part series.
The first webinar took place on May 29 focusing on Flexible Learning: An Approach to Module Development with Dr. Reynaldo Inocian, Institute for Research in Innovative Instructional Delivery Director as its speaker and Dr. Eva Marie Gacasan, Psychology Department Chair as the facilitator.
The second webinar happened on June 3 which tackled on Google Classroom as Online T-L Platform with Ms. Flora Mae Rivera, Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person as the speaker with Dr. Carlou John Letigio, CNU Balamban Campus faculty and Mr. Omar Roma, Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) Head as the facilitators.
The third webinar was held on June 4 with the topic on Interactive Module Development with Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, University and Board Secretary as the speaker and Dr. Laurence Garcia, Center for Research and Development Director as the facilitator.
The fourth webinar followed on June 5 with the discussion on Neo LMS as Online T-L Platform with Mr. Isidro Max Alejandro, College of Teacher Education (CTE) faculty as the speaker and Dr. Catalina Canasa, Learning and Development Focal Person as the facilitator.
“It seems like we will be facing a difficult journey ahead but what is important and more rewarding is that we are doing this for our students,” Ms. Joana Mariz Castillo, College of Nursing (CN) faculty said.
She said that the Nursing curriculum has a unique component on related learning experience which consists of skills on laboratory and clinical duty. She said that pure online learning may not suffice to measure the learning outcomes of the said component. She said that face-to-face interaction is still required to evaluate certain skills.
“Though online platforms may help in some ways but the difficulty truly lies in the validity of measuring the learning outcomes of the psychomotor domain,” Castillo said.
“We acknowledge the reality that equipment, access, and the expertise to become abreast with technology is a challenge but the commitment of the leaders of our institution together with the internal wealth of experts provide us all with a sense of hope [in] this upcoming academic year,” Ms. Christise Espera, CTE faculty said.
“The second phase will further the preparation of CNU educators. I am grateful that I belong to a University with a heart for its teachers, learners, as well as for learning and innovation,” Uytico added.
The iFLOAT has three phases and will continue in the coming months in preparation for the upcoming academic year. A recorded version of the webinar series may be viewed at the CNU Public Information Office (PIO) official YouTube account of the University. (JDF)
