Attending UP Open University

I have a few friends who are attending some form of school at the moment. One is finishing his second bachelor’s degree, while one is doing her masteral. Another friend from UP Diliman just started a diploma course under a government scholarship in Japan. It would be hypocritical of me to say that I don’t envy them. I feel exactly the opposite. I wish I can still afford to go to school.

A few years back, I attempted to try distance learning by taking a course at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). This is where Sharon Cuneta and a few other celebrities finished their bachelor’s degree.  If I am not correct, I paid roughly 8K for the TF and the books. I still have those books. I never used them.

What course did I enroll in? I took a  Diploma in Social Studies Education. Social Studies was one of my favorite subjects in high school and I figured that once I finished this, I could take the LET and teach. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time focusing on my work, my daughter, and my studies. I was working a regular job back then. It required me to be in the office at least 10 hours a day for six days a week. Most of the time I am too tired to play with my duaghter. Taking a course was a fancy I could not sustain. So I went AWOL.

Now  that I am working at home and my six-year- old daughter can be left alone to fend for herself for a few hours, I am thinking of going back to school. I am not thinking of an Online school but an actual classroom.  Taking the DSSE course through UPOU really made me realize how important real-time student-teacher interaction is.  There was just too many questions that I cannot answer by myself and a classroom setting would have dealt with those questions effectively.

At this point though, I wonder what course to take. I see a trends towards more work for WordPress customization and Web design. I am inclined to take those courses to enhance my market value in the online marketplace. At the same, I’d like to take vocational courses in reflexology and sewing.  Either way, the best option for those would be to enroll in a nearby school.

When I do make the decision, I’d probably announce it here. Suggestions are welcome.

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