Mapúa University has prioritized digital education, research-driven practices, and outcomes-based education as part of its strategy to rise in global university rankings. This focus contributed to its debut in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2022.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mapúa had implemented "Digital Days" and "Digital Rush" programs, prepping both students and faculty for an online transition. This foresight allowed for minimal educational disruption during the pandemic.
Mapúa launched Tri-X, a flexible hybrid teaching and learning modality that gives students the option to choose between face-to-face, online synchronous, or online asynchronous modes. It also expanded its ÚOx platform to offer fully online bachelor's degrees, winning the Gold Award for Digital Readiness in the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022.
In partnership with Coursera, Mapúa promotes micro-credentialing and upskilling, allowing students to earn industry-accredited certificates from prestigious institutions and companies, thereby enhancing their job market competitiveness.
To further improve the digital learning experience, Mapúa partnered with Cisco to create the country’s first digital university, integrating state-of-the-art technologies for a more inclusive and engaging educational environment.
How technological innovations boost university rankings
How Mapúa University continues to change the game in digital education and flexible learning
At a glance
In pursuit of its ambitious vision to rank among the world's best universities, Mapúa made a remarkable debut in the esteemed Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) in 2022. As part of its transformative journey towards achieving this global recognition, Mapúa has undertaken a strategic evolution, positioning itself as a leader in digital education, research-driven practices, and outcomes-based education.
This forward-thinking approach has solidified Mapúa University's position as a rising star in the realm of digital education, poised to make a significant impact on both its students and the broader global community.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Mapúa University, like many others, transitioned to fully online learning. However, it had already been harnessing its digital resources for classroom instruction well before the pandemic struck.
In 2017, Mapúa implemented “Digital Days” to deliver synchronous online lectures to about 2,300 students in over 100 classes. Shortly after, Mapúa started offering “Digital Rush”, a set of online courses scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., helping students avoid the Manila traffic rush hours when going to and from school.
In turn, Mapúa students and faculty members have been familiarized with digital tools and platforms, contributing to the effective and efficient delivery of digital education in the University.
“Digitalization allowed the University to be future-proof—continuing to deliver its high-quality education with the least disruption through a seamless transition into online learning modalities during the pandemic,” said Dr. Edward Jay Quinto, director of Mapúa’s Center for Teaching and Learning—Outcomes-Based Education.
These efforts have given Mapúa the confidence to launch Tri-X, its hybrid and flexible teaching and learning modality, and upscale ÚOx, its platform for fully online programs.
Upon its return to the new normal of education after the pandemic, Mapúa shifted to fully Tri-X delivery modes. Mapúa Tri-X, short for Triple eXperience, gives the students the power to choose their mode of participation for every lesson—face-to-face, online synchronous, or online asynchronous.
Following the initial programs in its launch in 2017, Mapúa ÚOx has added fully online bachelor’s degrees in its catalog, further reaching more learners across the globe. Testifying to its global standards in digital education, Mapúa ÚOx edged out innovations by other fellow topnotch universities in the world and received the Gold Award for Digital Readiness in the Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022.
“The early implementation of digital education innovations had transformed Mapúa into an institution whose new and exciting innovation are consistent with its stature of being a leader and trailblazer in digital education,” Quinto said.
Acknowledging the volatile, complex, and ambiguous futures that await learners of the post-pandemic world, Mapúa continues to expand its program offerings by promoting micro-credentialing and upskilling.
Through its partnership with Coursera, an international learning platform, students are equipped to directly drive career outcomes while bridging skills gaps. “By earning industry-accredited certificates from top universities like Yale, Michigan, Stanford, and leading companies like Google and IBM, Mapúa graduates are given the competitive advantage in the job market,” said Engr. Ericson Dimaunahan, director of Mapúa’s Center for Teaching and Learning—Digital.
Mapúa is also at the forefront of enhancing its students’ learning experience in the digital age by implementing new technologies and transforming traditional classrooms with AI-powered tools. Early this year, the university inked a partnership with Cisco to establish the country’s first digital university. The collaboration aims to optimize hybrid learning by deploying Cisco’s state-of-the-art technologies that will help create inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
Learn more about Mapua University's blended and fully online program offerings at www.mapua.edu.ph.