EDITORIAL: Innovations in Continuing Education

Formal college courses are becoming restricted by bureaucratic guidelines through program accreditation. Schools are becoming part of a feudal education community. Students are becoming compliant individuals instead of free-thinking professionals. Academic freedom is becoming less and less the content of college school curricula.

Where are going? How can we cope with the fast-changing world? How can we develop our children, especially those coming from marginalized communities and families? How can they adapt to the modern technologies of the millennium; Industry 4.0, Internet of things?

The rate of change in science and technology is accelerating. The world is going digital, artificial intelligence is here. The competition for skills and talent will escalate. Learning in new management and leadership skills will be essential for success.

Should we continue to stick to the traditional and conventional education program and follow the dictates of national academic authorities? Can we not freely adapt to changes in our academic programs? Does the police power of the state enforceable to educational and academic programs of schools or training centers, will be penalized if they do not follow the program guidelines of CHED? If this is the situation we are doomed and will never be progressive.

We have options without being subversive. Freedom to pursue education and personal development is guaranteed by the constitution. Innovations in academic programs and curricula are not a crime and cannot be penalized by the state. So why schools can’t freely pursue innovations and adopt new programs and methodologies that are necessary to face the challenge of the times? Being subservient to the establishment is one of the negative traits of Filipinos.

BUT THERE ARE SCHOOLS THAT NEVER STOP INNOVATING. They anticipate and adapt to changing times. BLESS THESE EDUCATORS AND ACADEMIC LEADERS WHO BRAVELY CHALLENGE THE NORM AND INTRODUCE REFORMS THROUGH NON-CONVENTIONAL PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS - because the education issue can be addressed through short-term learning courses outside of the restrictive policies of the education authority because human resources development is covered by the principal of academic freedom.