UP offers distance learning via SMS

What is even better than the experience of distance learning through a cellphone? Getting it from the Philippines’ premier state university.

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), in partnership with telecom giant Smart Communications Inc., has launched m-learning, a variant of distance learning that makes use of the SMS technology in cellular phones.

Because a significant number of Filipinos own a cellphone, m-learning, through SMS, is envisioned to promote distance learning to a wider market of individuals who have limited or no access to formal learning.

Distance learning through an open university is not a new concept here in the Philippines. The University of the Philippines laid down the foundation for this phenomenon when it hosted the first school-on-the-air program over radio station DZLB.

At present, distance learning is vastly becoming popular owing to the advances in Internet technology and in the field of education. It has now become possible to attend classes in virtual classrooms when logged on to the worldwide web.

In the Philippines, however, cellphone users immensely outnumber internet users: a fact that has inspired the launch of m-learning.

"M-learning is UPOU’s technological contribution to mass education in the Philippines by making efficient and effective use of a current technology –SMS – that is available to all cross-section of the society," said Dr. Felix Librero, UPOU chancellor.

"UP is probably the first institution in the world to undertake this kind of program which provides focused education covering compact learning packages designed to add to the stock knowledge of the text messaging public," he added.

Distance learning using a cellphone is indeed a pioneer effort. Lessons are packaged in small modules and presented in a format that is handy and convenient. Students study the lessons on their own available time using booklets that are conveniently sized to fit a small handbag or a pocket. At their own preferred time, students take exams, get the results and receive evaluation through their cell phones.

"In developed countries, m-learning makes use of personal digital assistants or PDAs connected to wireless networks. M-learning is a very innovative effort because it uses a very popular and cheap mode of communication," said Brenda Dichoso, general manager of I-Contacts Corp (I-Con), a Smart subsidiary which partnered with UP for this service.

"We’re very happy to offer this service that’s very useful for learners on the go, or people with little time for formal study but who nonetheless feel the need to increase their knowledge and hone their skills, " she added.

UPOU’s m-learning is made possible through a partnership with i-Con, the wholly-owned contact center subsidiary of Smart.

i-Con’s SMS Care is the web based suite of applications that powers UPOU’s m-learning. It is a comprehensive customer care solution designed to gather, send, receive and move different forms of information to and from different entities using the Internet and mobile phones. This facility is currently used to connect clients not only with their respective customers and channels but also with their own employees and other stakeholders as well.

With SMS Care, key information like customer feedback, employee information, product information and important customer transactions like order processing, inquiries, and after sales support are facilitated through networks of remotely situated mobile phones scattered in various locations. This results in a broader reach and enhanced customer intimacy which is achieved within a very short span of time in a very cost-effective manner.

Taking courses through m-learning turns out to be more practical in the long run. Students do not need to be physically present in a predetermined location to attend classes or to take an exam. That means saving on travel time, travel costs and exam fees among others.

As of this time, short lessons on topics of general interest, such as proper diet and nutrition, health risk factor assessment, calculating large numbers without using a calculator, and spelling commonly misspelled words are already being offered.

Learners who want to earn a certificate of course completion can apply to take a proctored examination upon completion of a set of related modules.