Distance Education in the Philippines

Two more final examinations and one research paper to go and my first semester in UP Open University will officially end. I never thought that time flies this fast that I am only a few days away in completing my first semester in UP Open University.

Last Saturday, September 27, 2008 I took my final examination in Communication Skills I and Kasanayan sa Komunikasyon I. I will admit that upon seeing the test paper, I was alienated because the examination is composed of essay type questions. You are required to write essays to answer a single question. Take note that the questions aren’t like, “write about your life in 10 sentences or so”. Way back in high school, we are usually given multiple-choice type of questions. And writing a good essay under time pressure isn’t an easy task. Also take note that during the examination, we all felt an earthquake and everyone was in panic. I actually thought that we are going to evacuate the room. But I thank the high heavens because I was able to finish answering the two examinations on time. Although I almost ran out of paper for my COMM1 examination because we were tasked to write so many things and I forgot to bring a spare bluebook.

Next week, I shall take the final examinations in Natural Science 1 (Chemistry and Physics) and Computer Education 1. I am really worried about the final examinations in Natural Science 1. I can’t imagine how will I review for that course because our course manual is very abbreviated especially in explaining how you arrived at this answer and that. I hope the high heavens would guide me in this one.

A lot of people are asking me how to cross-register to UP Diliman for Physical Education courses, I hope that this entry I posted a few months ago can help you.

I am quite worried about the courses I want to take up for the second semester. I am planning to take up COMM2, COMPED2, NATSCI2, MATH1, HIST1 and another PE course at UP Diliman. COMM2 and COMPED2 have prerequisite subjects that I took this first semester. What I am worried about is that the final grades of my first semester subjects are not yet released. I don’t know if I can already enroll in COMM2 and COMPED2 without knowing whether I passed COMM1 and COMPED1 or not. I already e-mailed my program adviser and learning center coordinator regarding this matter. I am hoping for their replies as soon as possible.

Good luck!