The BSU-OU workshop with Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, CESE, Director IV of the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD), Commission on Higher Education Central Office, discussing the regulatory frameworks under CHED Memorandum Orders (CMO) Nos. 11 and 12, series of 2025, providing participants with important information on the policies, standards, and requirements governing ETEEAP and ODeL implementation. Among the major topics discussed were Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Equivalency Tooling, ODL, Asynchronous Course Blueprinting and Instructional Design, ETEEAP Deputization and Legal Standards under CMO No. 11, s. 2025, and ODL Government Authority and Quality Standards under CMO No. 12, s. 2025.
The discussion on Prior Learning Assessment highlighted the importance of recognizing knowledge, skills, and competencies that learners may have acquired through work experience, professional practice, training, and other forms of learning. Dr. Catanes also emphasized the importance of proper asynchronous course blueprinting and instructional design in ODeL. Since learners in an open and distance learning environment may not always be physically present in a classroom, instructional materials, learning activities, assessments, and other forms of learner support need to be carefully planned and designed. With that said, ODeL is not simply the transfer of conventional classroom teaching to an online platform. It requires a systematic approach to curriculum development, instructional design, assessment, learner engagement, technology integration, and quality assurance.