The academic innovation of Far Eastern University (FEU) for distance learning: Total Analogue Learning (TAL) modality has faced key issues upon preparation and distribution of flash drives to recipients of the new flexible learning mode. 

As an adjustment towards online classes for Academic Year 2020-2021, the University provided a primer for its three modes of learning—including TAL modality for students with internet connectivity issues or those learners that are capable of independent learning with the provision of a flash drive. 

Senior Vice President (SVP) for Academic Affairs Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio explained to FEU Advocate the cause of the delay. 

“The principal cause for the delay of the delivery of the TALs were the incomplete Complete Course Modules (CCM) submitted by a small number of faculty. All other ‘delays’ (start of uploading only after adjustment and non-delivery by the delivery service) cannot be avoided,” she shared. 

Distribution started after the adjustment period, from August 17 to September 2, where staff members of the Academic Affairs Office looked into the working condition and accuracy of labels on each flash drive, some incomplete CCM were found causing a one week delay.

SVP Tinio also detailed, “During the adjustment period, staff from the Academic Affairs office contacted each TAL student via SMS to confirm their address, mobile number, and to confirm as well that they were registering themselves as TAL students.”

The flash drives were intended to contain the CCM or Course Information Booklets (CIB) and other necessary files such as recorded lectures, readings, assessments, and instructions, as the primary features of the modality.

It was also confirmed that 19 out of 123 requests failed to be dispatched by the delivery service due to reasons such as: house number not found, consignee not home or unknown, and impassable streets. 

“Of the 19, 15 were Metro Manila addresses and only four were outside of Metro Manila (Angono, Malolos, Laguna, and Balayan),” she added.

The recent ease of age restrictions for students aged 18 years old and above prompted the office to study the possibility of a pick-up option for the flash drives as the majority of the failed deliveries were from National Capital Region (NCR). 

The office then assured that key changes will be implemented for next semester’s implementation of the modality by having “stricter checking protocol of the CCMs” for a smoother dispatch of the flash drives.

-Antonio Luis Carreon