Courses via the Web get gov’t push

To help Filipino youths compete with the rest of the world in information technology, the government’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is helping promote courses on the Internet.

CHED Commissioner Manuel Punzal said they have formed a technical panel to discuss the guidelines for online courses now being offered by different schools.

"We are now formulating guidelines for this new system of education," he said. "It appears that many universities abroad are now offering courses on the Internet. Filipinos have to catch up."

Punzal recently graced the launching of the online courses of Informatics Computer Institute which now offers a complete undergraduate program on computer science through the Web.

He observed that many schools would surely follow Informatics’ lead and offer their own online courses, thus, CHED has to be prepared.

"We have to come up with guidelines on how schools can mix online and offline courses. For example, how would they offer physical education online? We have to think of ways," he said.

Informatics, which began in Singapore, claims to be the first to offer online courses. Through PurpleTrain.com, an Internet learning site, it will be offering a bachelor’s degree program in computer science. A student taking the program will study for three years, starting with a two-year diploma on computer studies, then pursue another year for the degree.

Informatics officials say students have the option to attend classes for two years and finish the final year online or pursue the entire course online.

"This breakthrough in learning will address the needs of working professionals and students who want to pursue studies with a reputable university or gain international certification," said Leo Riingen, Informatics Phils. president. "The costs and time constraints of pursuing a degree are significantly reduced with the sheer convenience of studying from anywhere."

Informatics’ online students can have their course notes and exercises online, supported by textbooks and study guides. They can repeat sessions as desired and even print the materials they need. Their schedule is designed so enough time is allotted for self-paced and structured activities. And they can even engage in online chats and enter discussion rooms.

Riingen added that notices will be given to students through private e-mails. And payment of fees can be done online through various means such as bank to bank or even through credit cards.

Meanwhile, the Philippine and Japanese governments recently embarked on a certification program that would give Filipino IT students the edge in seeking work in Japanese firms locally and abroad.

Filipino IT students and practitioners only have to take the JITSE-Phil, or the Japanese Information Technology Standard Examination of the Philippines, to become certified. The first test will be given on Sept. 9.

Maricor Akol, president of the Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines who was tapped to head the program, said JITSE-Phil will open the doors to improved employment and career advancement for Filipino IT people.

"The fact that JITSE-Phil is being administered in the Philippines is a clear indication that the Japanese government recognizes the remarkable aptitude and global competitiveness of Filipinos," she said.

For more information on the program, call 759-3870. – With Junep Ocampo