Mapua taps Cisco to create hybrid learning solutions

Tech giant Cisco said on Thursday it has been tapped by Mapua University to co-develop what they call the country’s “first-ever digital classrooms.”

Under the partnership, Cisco will provide Mapua University with a full range of purpose-built artificial intelligence (AI)-powered collaboration tools, including the Cisco Webex Meeting Suite, Webex Boards, and devices, and Meraki Wireless and Smart Cameras, to help create inclusive and engaging learning experiences in hybrid classrooms.

The partners also co-developed a training curriculum for teachers that focus on blended, hybrid learning. They will also roll out a specialized training program to ensure that teachers and students are taught to effectively use Cisco devices and solutions so they can communicate, collaborate, and learn effectively from anywhere.

“The future of education is changing, as hybrid learning opens opportunities to increase access and drive continuity of engagement. Technology has been a huge enabler in building the bridge to learning without boundaries,” Cisco Philippines Managing Director Zaza Soriano-Nicart said.

“Through our Country Digital Acceleration Program, Cisco is proud and thrilled to be a part of Mapúa University’s transformative journey to bring students together in immersive and engaging ways and empower them to learn not just within the confines of a classroom but their homes and anywhere in between.”

For his part, Mapua University President Dodjie Maestrecampo said this will also allow the university to democratize access to education through technology.

With this, he vowed that the university will support upskilling and micro-credential initiatives through online courses in accredited learning and certification platforms.

“The pandemic has revealed the power of hybrid learning in keeping students and teachers connected from anywhere and at any time. But these experiences are only possible with the right connectivity, collaboration, and right level of cyber security,” Maestrecampo said.

“Cisco has been a trusted advisor and partner in empowering our flexible, hybrid learning journey. I am confident that this partnership will transform the learning experience Mapúa University will offer its students moving forward.”

The digital classrooms will be equipped with Cisco collaboration tools in its Webex Suite, which is powered by AI. Cisco Webex boards are envisioned to enable students and teachers to join video-first meetings, use digital whiteboards, annotate on shared content, and leverage real-time translation and transcriptions.

Advanced AI features like facial recognition for in-meeting name labels and a digital assistant that provides for a zero-touch, voice-controlled meeting experience, coupled with its high-quality camera and audio intelligence, will allow students to meet virtually and collaborate regardless of where they are, and deliver similar experiences for all students irrespective of their location.

“Mapúa University has a huge opportunity to shape the future of education by driving hybrid learning in the Philippines. I am excited to accelerate our digital transformation roadmap with the partnership with Cisco to pilot the country’s first-ever digital classrooms,” Maestrecampo said.