The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), through its Commission on Engineering, Computer Science and Technology Education (CECSTE), has partnered with Autodesk to advance the learning environment in Philippines Higher Education institutions offering ICT and engineering education through the integration and use of Autodesk design software. PAASCU is the oldest accrediting agency in the Philippines.
The four-year partnership will allow the PAASCU member HEI’s to integrate the various Autodesk software in their curriculum. The major component of the partnership will be helping schools integrate industry based applications in the curriculum. The other will be on faculty development thru training of faculty and staff. Faculty and students will also have free access to Autodesk education software in PAASCU member institutions.
This partnership was sealed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) inked between PAASCU, represented by Dr. Ramon Arcadio, PAASCU Vice-President and Autodesk, represented by Deepankar Bhattacharyya, Head of Asia Pacific Education, at Autodesk.
“PAASCU is happy to partner with Autodesk, and looks forward to how this partnership will continue to improve the quality of IT and engineering education in the country,” said Vicente V. Pijano III, Co-chairperson of PAASCU’s Commission on Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology Education (CECSTE). “This MOU is an example how global software companies such as Autodesk recognize PAASCU’s commitment to quality education thru the process of accreditation and the relevance of the academic programs of our member institution”, he added.
“Autodesk is proud to partner with PASSCU and offer all students and educators with free access to our latest 3D design and engineering software,” said Deepankar Bhattacharyya, Head of Asia Pacific Education, at Autodesk. “This partnership reflects Autodesk’s commitment to advancing design and engineering education in the Philippines by providing early access to digital tools that can help inspire students to engage in the process of creativity and design.”
“We believe that the next generation of designers, innovators, and creators are today’s students,” said Teddy D. Tiu, Country Manager, Autodesk Philippines. “In fact we have been closely working with the students and academia in the Philippines. This is part of Autodesk’s commitment, to inspire and develop young, talented students in design and engineering so that they can compete in the global workforce.”
Autodesk learning materials will be made available to PAASCU CECSTE through the Autodesk Education Community portal. Students will have free access to software, a wealth of information and networking opportunities. Under the partnership, PAASCU institutions are able to download free Autodesk Education licenses via the Autodesk Resource Centre (ARC). This collaboration with Autodesk will enable PAASCU CECSTE member schools to equip its faculty and students with professional skills and gain greater industry relevance and create next generation of engineers, computer scientist, technologist and digital artists.
Autodesk will also invest resources for the development of professional skills among PAASCU member institutions faculty and students through curriculum development. Pijano said the software would be made available to member institution. Curricular mapping of content, course materials development and enhance laboratory activities, in the various functional areas such as ICT education, engineering, design and drafting, animation, and gaming would be part of the process.
“It is our desire that this collaboration will bridge the gap between the classroom and the actual workplace. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of the teaching learning process. I see it as a part of our continuing quest for quality education and to spur exciting innovation for PAASCU member schools to further improve the quality of their accredited programs,” Pijano said.
