The pandemic gave us an experience of how a virus can cause unexpected upheavals in our society. The changes wrought have resulted in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. When the COVID 19 pandemic ends, there will still be wars, upheavals, and unprecedented manufactured and natural calamities. These struggles will continue demanding from each intelligence, knowledge, insight, commitment, sacrifice, and cooperation for a shared common good. The volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity will be no different with future pandemics or crises.
Given all these, Ateneo de Davao University is gearing up for future-proof education through the Hybrid Implementation Strategy using a FLEXible modality or HISFlex of blended learning. This blended learning method will strengthen critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and collaboration. Through HISFlex, students will learn to satisfy their curiosity; exercise initiative, leadership, and socio-cultural awareness; develop grit and persistence, and adapt to change.
The old face-to-face learning confines those who are physically present in the same time and place (e.g., classroom or laboratory). At the other end of the spectrum is fully online instruction, which allows students to study or work from anywhere (e.g., at home, in a coffee shop, etc.) via online platforms or learning environments (e.g., Daigler, Moodle, Google Classroom). Students “check-in” with a course teacher and engage in online communication when more explanation is needed. What is shaping to be the best of both worlds is HISFlex. This alternative school setting allows students to attend in-person, on-campus classes or opt for virtual classes, based on their learning activities. It does not limit students to learning within the four walls of the classroom. In this pandemic, flexible learning is the most suitable modality, considering the students’ health risk levels and attendance concerns.
The University has upscaled and is moving forward to master new learning technologies that will enable the community to best engage with others in a VUCA and interconnected world. Thus, starting School Year 2022-2023, Ateneo de Davao University is adopting HISFlex.
HISFlex in Ateneo de Davao University
HISFlex welcomes both face-to-face and virtual Ateneo learners into a new learning environment. It makes possible real-time participation of students onsite and online. Our technologically-enhanced HISFlex classrooms accommodate 20 students onsite while HISFlex laboratories seat 15 students who attend sessions on campus. Other students participate virtually via Zoom or Google Meet.
Fifty classrooms and 29 laboratories have been retrofitted for uniquely HISFlex classes. Wall displays in the HISFlex classrooms and laboratories bring together those attending virtually with those who are physically in the classrooms. Class discussions intermingle physical and virtual presences in the same space, enriching the learning experience. This blended setup allows the University to offer select courses and programs to students who reside outside Davao City. It lends itself well to others who prefer virtual classes over in-person on-campus classes.
HISFlex enhances students’ learning outcomes in ways that the traditional instruction approach (face-to-face) cannot. Training our students to master new learning technologies maximizes borderless education. It also allows teachers to use the most appropriate medium for their course content, and students can learn in practical, social, and solitary ways. Hence, we have redesigned the traditional classroom setup where the teacher dominates their students’ learning experience.
Studying or working from anywhere, interacting with peers residing in different provinces/cities, and learning and collaborating with students or internationally-known experts from foreign countries are now being practiced. With HISFlex modality, students can minimize missing their classes as it effortlessly combines onsite learning or training with those who opt to participate virtually. Learning content is also easily accessed through our digital platforms. Students can return to their course content to deliver more impressive results over time. Professionals with hectic schedules can also advance their careers or enhance their competencies through fully online or hybrid learning.
The HISFlex principle is applied not only to instruction but also to all other aspects of University life. University administration, students, faculty, and staff will continue building up one another through online or hybrid encounters in formation, research, and community engagement.
Our future-proof education provides hybrid opportunities to equip students with 21st-century skills to respond to the challenges of today and whatever the future may bring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can we still socialize throughout our college life in the HISFlex modality?
Hybrid flexible blended learning is compatible with students meeting and interacting face-to-face on campus even when the pandemic is finally over. We recognize that socialization is important in our students’ academic learning, holistic formation, and culture-building. As such, we are opening the campus for onsite activities. We encourage the students to socialize and have fun with one another, interact and engage in activities led by the SAMAHAN Central Board, academic clusters, and other unit offices. Even if a student is enrolled in a fully online course, they can still participate and go to the campus. The annual Fiesta, college days, outreach engagements, the Pakighinabi series, the Viewfinder, Christmas parties, face-to-face graduations, and the like will all return, subject to the prevailing protocols and alert levels as declared by the government authorities.
- I do not reside in Davao City; How do I manage?
For those who do not reside in Davao City, select courses are available for blended and fully online classes. For further details, you may inquire from the Admission and Aid Office (onsite in-campus or through admissions@addu.edu.ph or their Facebook page: m.me/AdDUCollegeAdmission) and Office of the Academic Vice President (onsite in-campus or thru vp.academics@addu.edu.ph).
Students may decide to stay in a dormitory or rent an apartment in Davao City during the semester. While onsite classes are scheduled for a week each month, vaccinated students can enter the Jacinto Campus, avail of student services, reserve and use school facilities, and attend campus events as they wish during the entire semester.
- How many and who can participate in the limited face-to-face class?
– 20 students per classroom for a 1.5-hour activity per designated day (4 schedules on a designated day);
– 15 students per laboratory for a 2-hour activity per designated day (3 schedules on a designated day)
Only vaccinated students who are tagged to attend their onsite classes can enter the HISFlex classrooms or laboratories. The designated seating plan arranged by the faculty should be followed.
- I enrolled in a blended course. Can I still attend classes online? If I am sick during the scheduled classes on campus, can I opt to attend the class online instead?
The blended learning method allows enrolled students to attend an onsite class online.
- I enrolled in a blended course. Can our teachers conduct onsite learning activities on different days/weeks?
The faculty members are not limited to the 1–3-week (1st to 3rd week online; 4th & 5th week onsite) cycle schedule. Onsite learning activities can still be conducted in the first three weeks when deemed necessary. Clearance to enter the campus and access the facilities and services will be given by the Office of Executive Vice President through the Dean/s and Academic Vice President.
- Can we arrange a face-to-face consultation with our teachers?
Onsite consultations are allowed subject to the teacher’s availability and approval of the venue.
- Can student organizations conduct onsite events or academic activities? Can students conduct course experiments?
The approval of onsite extra-curricular and co-curricular activities with less than 50 individuals is devolved to the Office of Student Affairs and the Unit Heads/Deans. Activities that are projected to have more than 50 individuals require the approval of the Executive Vice President who chairs the COVID 19 Task Force.
- Do I have to wear the prescribed regular and P.E. uniforms when I enter the Jacinto Campus?
P.E. uniforms are required during onsite P.E. classes. Wearing the regularly prescribed school uniform is optional. However, the usual dress code specified in the Student Handbook should be followed (cf. Student Handbook at www.addu.edu.ph). Always present your student ID when you enter the campus.
- How will retreats and recollections be conducted?
The Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office (ISFO) and Arrupe Office of Social Formation (AOSF) will continue to provide vital and age-appropriate institutional interventions towards the values of Ignatian Spirituality through online sessions and in-person engagements.
- How ready are the teachers and professors for HISFlex blended learning?
Training for basic and higher education teachers–from primary and secondary to the tertiary levels– are ongoing in preparation for navigating a HISFlex learning environment. Full-time teachers shall undergo a certification program for online education as part of their preparation for the HISFlex Blended Learning modality. The Office of the Academic Vice President handles the certification program for faculty members. The OAVP can be contacted at (82) 221.2411 local 8372.
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Campus-Related FAQs
- Can I attend the daily Mass in the University Chapel?
The University Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption in the Jacinto Campus is open for prayer and reflection from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Employees, students, and guests are also welcome to join the face-to-face Mass in the chapel or the online Mass on Facebook Live at 11:30 am from Monday to Saturday and at 8:00 am on Sunday.
- Am I allowed to park inside the Martin Hall?
Students are allowed to park on the Second Floor of Martin Hall. Limited slots are available at reasonable rates every semester (cf. Asst. to the President for CCFC & Martin Hall Operations Memo). You may call (82) 221.2411 local 8741 for inquiries or email the Asst to the President for CCFC & Martin Hall at smadoromal@addu.edu.ph.
- Can I use the swimming pool and the facilities of the Fitness Center?
Access to the Jacinto Campus Swimming Pool and Fitness Center is open to enrolled students upon payment of facility fees (cf. Asst. to the President for CCFC & Martin Hall Operations Memo). You may call (82) 221.2411 local 8741 or email the Asst to the President for CCFC & Martin Hall at smadoromal@addu.edu.ph.
- Can I dine in the Food Court?
The Food Court is open daily from Monday to Saturday. Dine-in guests are allowed provided that only one guest occupies one table at any one time following the protocol of the University COVID 19 Task Force and the Crisis Management Committee. Dining in groups is prohibited for safety reasons. You may contact the Food Court at commerce@addu.edu.ph or call (82) 221.2411 local 8238.
- Can I visit the Clinic or schedule consultations with the school physician?
Visiting the Clinic and availing of the services of the school physician and dentist are part of University student services. Students can visit the Clinic and consult with the physician through confirmed appointments. Students who are sick and are unable to visit the physician on campus can schedule a virtual consultation via email (clinics@addu.edu.ph) or via teleconsultation (082) 221.2411 local 8337.
- Can I visit and see my Guidance Counselor?
Similarly, students can visit their assigned Guidance Counselor. Appointments can be set with the University Guidance Center. Please email guidance@addu.edu.ph or call (082) 221.2411 local 8309.
- Can I claim my student ID? How and where?
To request your student ID, email univ.studentaffairs@addu.edu.ph. Follow the instructions in their auto-reply and fill out the Google form. Your student ID shall be ready for pickup or shipping in two to three weeks. For onsite claiming, visit the Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) at the Mezzanine of Arrupe Hall, Jacinto Campus. You may call the office at (82) 221.2411 local 8305.
- Can I study in the Library? Can I borrow books?
Students can study or research in the University Libraries (Gisbert Library, Miguel Pro Learning Commons, and Law Library) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Library users, however, will be requested to leave the premises during the lunch break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
For everyone’s safety, students are only allowed to stay in the Library for a maximum of one hour per day. To avoid overcrowding, the guard might need to calibrate student entry and request students to enter the Library at another time.
Students can also borrow books, which should be returned to the Library on or before the day they are due. Books can be reserved online and claimed at the window located at the Jacinto Law School Gate. Overdue books will incur charges (cf. University Libraries and Audio-Visual Center Guidelines on the Library Services During the Blended Learning). You may contact the Library at univ.library@addu.edu.ph, or go to its website at https://library.addu.edu.ph.
Date Updated: 21 June 2022| For other questions and clarifications, feel free to drop a message on our Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/ateneo.davao/ or Twitter Account: @ADDU_Official