"This is an important step to reach a wider audience for the e-learning component of the Pinoy Farmers’ Internet," Open Academy program director Roger F. Barroga said.
With the stand-alone VClass player and other required software compiled with the course modules in CD form, extension workers with low-bandwidth — or no Internet connection at all — can view the courses on hybrid rice production.
The VClass CD, packaged by the OpAPA content development team, contains an overview of hybrid rice technology by Dr. Manuel G. Gaspar; site-specific nutrient management by Hermenegildo C. Gines; water management by Jovino L. de Dios; diseases management by Dr. Fe dela Peña; weed management by Dr. Madonna C. Casimiro; and postharvest technologies by engineer Eden C. Gagelonia. The resource persons are subject-matter specialists from PhilRice.
The course modules were developed as part of the output of the recently concluded training on VClass authoring and content creation, with ASTI’s Preginet multimedia team as resource persons.
The VClass e-learning management platform is a joint project between ASTI and PhilRice. Developed by the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, VClass is currently being further developed for use here in the Philippines by ASTI.
State colleges and universities such as Benguet State University and Leyte State College are planning to deploy the platform for distance education endeavors. — Philrice