Section 6Sec./Art. 6

Guiding Principles for ODL Courses or Subjects. All courses or subjects offered in the ODL mode shall adhere to the following principles:

(a) Learner Centeredness ODL programs shall focus on the needs of the learner and the goal of facilitating independent learning;

(b) Quality and Relevant Programs ODL programs shall be equivalent in challenges and depth to conventional classroom or traditional programs in nonconventional delivery;

(c) Transparency to Guide Informed Choice ODL implementers shall make information about their programs, particularly on the curriculum and delivery system, instructional materials development, delivery mode/strategies, student support services, and other relevant information available to accrediting bodies, academic peers, regulators and students. Updated information shall he made accessible through such media as the internet;

(d) Peer Review A review by experts in ODL to determine the acceptability of the course or subject shall be institutionalized following the criteria set by the CHED and/or the TESDA, as applicable;

(e) Public Responsibility and Accountability Implementers shall heed the public impact of ODL programs and shall always exercise due diligence in avoiding harm to program stakeholders, especially students. Consumer protection, in particular, shall be a priority because of the high value that Filipinos put on education; and

(f) Quality and Continuous Improvement An HEI or post-secondary school shall embed in its program framework the proactive needs assessment of students and stakeholders in terms of the ODL program planning, implementation and evaluation. The interaction of students needs, interests and perceptions, faculty interests and skills/technology available and Filipino culture should be carefully examined, explored and monitored to continuously improve all aspects of development and delivery.