My sister Judith raised an eyebrow and shook her head, “All I ever wanted was to finish and get the hell out of school and here you are going back to it!” She was referring to my decision some time ago to take my graduate studies in Development Communication at UP Open University. After graduating from UP Diliman eons ago, I had, for the longest time, thought of pursuing my master’s degree in Communication. The various roles in my life (wife, mother, writer etc.) however, had prevented me from adding the title of “student” among its roster. Then one day (no doubt a result of mid-life’s taunts), I decided to take the plunge and “just do it.”
UP Open University is a great fit for someone who wishes to further his education while fulfilling his daily obligations. Lessons are sent through the Internet and/or are mailed to an address of choice as hardcopies. Every week, discussions are posted on the class site (UPOU uses Moodle) and assignments are submitted in PDF form through e-mail. All of the professors that I have studied under have doctorate degrees and I have constantly felt their expectation of scholarly work. Final exams are conducted in the designated Learning Centers around the country (and around the world for those who live abroad). Distance learning at UPOU does not tolerate the undisciplined. Whereas a regular classroom requiring one’s physical presence forces a student to focus on the lessons at hand, distance learning places upon the student the luxury (or burden) of managing one’s own time in order to meet deadlines.
It is at this point that I confess to two frustrating personal quirks, which I shall describe as euphemistically as I can: I have a touch of O.C.D. and a spattering of A.D.D. (add to that a pinch of melodrama and we have ourselves the makings of a theater diva!). Whereas other professors would be dismayed at their students’ half-hearted output, I have been known to receive e-mails and texts from my teachers reminding me to enjoy the journey of education and not be overwhelmed with anxiety in the pursuit of a perfect grade. There is Dr. Lex Librero who assured me that I could make up for my missed homework as soon as I arrived from Europe, Dr. Alexander Flor who reiterated that it was OK to pepper him with queries and Dr. Mel Bandalaria whose motherly instincts had prompted a series of calming, reassuring messages every semester (I suspect she has met her share of OCD students in the past!). I thank them all for their kindness and patience. They are proof that one can establish a close relationship without having to constantly see each other face-to-face.
Tess Mattingly is a teacher based in the state of Florida who, despite already a UPOU Diploma in Language Literacy and Education graduate, is furthering her education through UPOU, pursuing a master’s degree in Development Communication. Tess shares, “Some people tend to look down on distance learning programs because they think that they are less rigid compared to regular programs where students have to be physically present in the classroom. That is not true. In my five years in UPOU, I believe that attending an open university requires more discipline in studying and complying with requirements. I also believe that I was able to get my position as a teacher in Florida, despite the fact that I am not an Education undergraduate because of my online degrees.”
From my personal experience, continuing with my formal education has strengthened my work as a governor of the Philippine Red Cross. As chairman of the organization’s communication committee, I am frequently tasked to find the most efficient route possible in getting vital information out to all our stakeholders. The lessons I have received in my Development Communication course place in an organized, theoretical framework the information and theories needed to do my job. And what about the progressive on-the-job training one experiences in the field — that unique taste of life that a book does not teach you? That my dear readers is a worthy article for another Sunday. Suffice it to say that the blending of theory and actual practice is what empowers a person to grow in the field of his choice.
I am approaching the tail end of my studies and hope to be able to graduate soon. Considering that the mortality rate for distance learning is a whopping 50 percent, I think I have, as a whole, done fairly well. My thoughts flow towards the housewife who has dreamed of fulfilling other pursuits apart from those demanded at home, the actor or singer who wishes to finish his college education and the office worker or businessman who simply wants to learn more in a structured setting. Education in this day of high-speed technology has never been more attainable. For my part, being a student again has been a continuous empowering experience that has kept me sharp and young. And to all my teachers who have exacted from me and given equally of themselves, thank you for making me a better person!
(Complete information about UP Open University may be accessed through www.upou.org)