SEVEN years have passed since the Educational Technology Center (EdTech) launched the Electronic learning access program (E-leap), but few seemed to have realized its benefits in delivering education at a distance.
This prompted Clarita Carillo, assistant to the Rector for academic affairs, to issue a memorandum encouraging professors to utilize existing learning resources to ensure that students are able to catch up with their lessons when classes are suspended.
The memo directed all faculty members to set a two-hour meeting with EdTech officials for an E-leap orientation.
But EdTech director Ma. Ninia Calaca said some faculty members see E-leap as an added burden than a tool to help them teach because they would have to attend seminars to be able to use the system properly.
Launched in 2002, E-leap is supported by the Blackboard system, which provides discussion boards, e-groups and group messaging, as well as online storage system for assignments and exams.
E-leap also provides faculty members with a “customizable” online exam maker and grade books. Almost all of the University’s general courses are offered by E-leap.
Calaca said E-leap would help teachers adapt their teaching methods to suit the more technology-savvy generation.
“Technology enables students to learn and share more through the Internet. With the e-learning system, teachers are given the opportunity to facilitate the students’ learning process and give them guided education even outside their classrooms,” she said.
Arlo Salvador, a professor at the Faculty of Arts and Letters and one of the avid users of E-leap, said the e-learning system of the University is beneficial in his teaching.
“E-leap makes my lecture files more accessible to the students. Their performance in class can now be easily monitored through the online grade book,” he said. Given the E-leap’s features, Salvador believes it is a valuable asset that all faculty members should utilize.
Calaca called on professors to utilize E-leap, especially during this rainy season when classes are often suspended. Just this month, classes have been suspended for a total of five days because of floods and nationwide holidays.
“E-Leap won’t realize its full potential unless the faculty is willing to learn more about the system to use it,” she said.
