Center for Open and Distance Teaching and Learning (CODTL)

The UPOU Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) evolved in response to changing educational, technological, and labor landscapes since UPOU transitioned to 100% online courses in 2007. It integrates academic support, catering to diverse learning formats, shifting demands, evolving curricula, learner profiles, and ensuring quality assurance. CODTL amalgamates the former UPOU Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services and Multimedia Center. It now provides comprehensive academic, technical, and administrative aid for program development, aiming for open, accessible, and quality higher education. Positioned within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Center is headed by the Director with the three Deputy Directors overseeing Learning Design (LD), Educational Media Production (EMP), and Open and Digital Learning Research (ODLR). An advisory committee, Open and Digital Teaching and Learning Committee (ODTLC), reviews and recommends policies and procedures for the Center’s operations.

Mandate

CODTL is mandated to provide academic, technical and administrative support and services to the design and delivery of academic programs and courses for quality, open, accessible, inclusive, flexible higher and continuing education in UPOU and extend learning materials development services to other recognized partner institutions.

Functions

CODTL provides diverse functions, advising on open educational practices and guiding learning design, curricular frameworks, and quality digital resources. It supports teaching efficiency, organizes course teams, develops accessible resources, and explores emerging trends in digital and open learning methodologies.

Organizational Chart

Center Units

CODTL - Learning Design Unit

The LD unit collaborates with the EMP unit to provide essential learning design advice and administrative support for program development, revision, and course delivery. It also conducts capacity-building programs for academic staff in areas such as multimedia course packages and open and digital learning, while assisting in the production of learning materials for open and distance learning programs as mandated by RA 10650.

CODTL - Educational Media Production Unit

The EMP unit is instrumental in creating educational materials for university courses in collaboration with the LD and academic units. It offers technical and design guidance to academic staff for multimedia learning material production. Furthermore, it produces learning materials for open and digital learning, not only for the University but also for other educational institutions as stipulated by RA 10650, while managing online and offline repositories for open educational resources (OERs), UPOU studios, and multimedia facilities.

CODTL - Open and Digital Learning Research Unit

The ODLR unit leads research on the University’s instructional models, course development, and delivery systems while also tracking emerging trends in open and digital learning. It also offers guidance to the UPOU Research and Publications Committee on enhancing the University’s research thrusts in ODeL. Additionally, it collaborates with the EMP and LD units to share its research findings with a broader audience.