The University of the Philippines Office of International Linkages (UP OIL) held its annual roadshow, Harnessing Linkage Opportunities for Knowledge Advancement (HALIKA) 2024, showcasing an innovative virtual experience at the UP Open University (UPOU) Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. One of the highlights of the event was the UPOU Virtual Reality Campus Tour, where participants explored the university’s digital campus using a head-mounted VR device.
This immersive experience allowed attendees to virtually navigate UPOU’s campus, providing a unique perspective on how technology can transform learning environments. The tour was part of UPOU’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into education, reflecting the institution’s forward-thinking approach to internationalization and digital learning.
Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Deputy Director of the Open and Digital Learning Research, along with Assistant Professor Margaret Jarmin Suarez, Program Development Associate for Institutional Linkages at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), led a brief discussion during the event. They focused on the university’s ongoing projects related to the metaverse and virtual reality, offering insights into how these technologies can enhance educational experiences and global linkages.
Through the virtual campus tour and the discussions on digital advancements, HALIKA 2024 demonstrated UPOU’s commitment to exploring new technological frontiers. The event highlighted the university’s continuous efforts to expand its international reach and adapt to the evolving landscape of digital education.
