The prolonged closure of schools has widely impacted how students learn. With face-to-face limitations likely to continue for the majority of schools in the Philippines, collaboration tools have become the central medium for learning.
Understanding the need to adjust to new learning modalities as the world goes into the new normal, Mapúa University-Manila partnered with Globe Telecom to set up Zoom video conferencing and connectivity solutions for its students and faculty.
“Despite offering fully online programs and courses years before the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not foresee how difficult it would be to transition to remote learning,” said Danilo Tiongco, Chief Information Officer for Mapúa University and iPeople Inc., a holding company that drives investments in the education sector. “We found ourselves fast-tracking our digital initiatives. We had to hasten the production of electronic materials for our students. We even went as far as enrolling our staff to get certifications in Instructional Design for Online Courses. As a school, we recognize our role in guiding our learners as they go through changes. Having Globe as our partner made the shift to digital learning easier for Mapúa and allowed us to focus on helping our students.”
Zoom has become Mapúa’s primary tool for synchronous learning, wherein class sessions happen in real-time. The school also uses the video conferencing tool as a channel for consultations between teachers and students. Through Zoom, users enjoy collaborative and easy-to-use features such as chat, breakout rooms, content sharing, annotation, digital whiteboarding among others.
“As a faculty member, Zoom serves as a bridge to deliver the required course outcomes to students through their participation and collaboration during the virtual class discussion,” mentioned Engr. Cirilo Morillo, Jr., a faculty member of Mapúa University’s School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering.
This Zoom access was also coupled with Globe GoLearn and SchoolSURF data plans for students. Using these connectivity solutions enables learners to access educational content and utilize communication and collaboration applications as they participate in online classes.
“Globe commits to its duty to not just be a solutions provider, but also a partner of our customers and organizations in their fight for resilience, recovery, and transformation,” shared Peter Maquera, Senior Vice President for Globe Business. “Part of our core values is to make a difference. We’re committed to putting our customers first by giving them access to an ever-growing roster of tools that allow them to become more connected, even during this period of global isolation.”
With the help of iPeople and the seven schools it operates (including Mapúa University), Globe has successfully distributed multiple education solutions such as Home Prepaid WiFi kits, Load Up services, licenses for collaboration tools, and internet and mobile data plans. This initiative of strengthening Philippine education is part of Globe’s sustainability program, which aims to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
