FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. (fourth from left) joins UPOU and UP Cebu students as they conclude the 13-week virtual exchange program with the presentation of their Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) application proposals.
Innovative language-learning technologies developed through international collaboration took center stage as students from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), UP Cebu, and the University of Tokyo presented their Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) application proposals during the culmination of a 13-week virtual exchange program. The presentations were held on July 8 and 15, 2026, in a hybrid format at the Immersive Science Communication Open Laboratory (ISCOLab).
UPOU and UP Cebu students pitch their CALL application proposals during the culminating presentation sessions held at ISCOLab on July 8 (left) and July 15 (right), showcasing technology-driven solutions for language learning.
Working in interdisciplinary and international teams, the students developed technology-driven solutions that addressed diverse language learning needs. During the presentations, each group introduced its proposed CALL application, highlighting its objectives, target users, key features, and the pedagogical principles that informed its design.
The virtual exchange program was led by Dr. Yuka Akiyama of the University of Tokyo and co-hosted by Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) at UPOU. Over 13 weeks, the program brought together students from the University of Tokyo, UPOU, and UP Cebu to collaborate on designing innovative technology-enhanced solutions for language learning while fostering intercultural exchange and academic collaboration.
The participating cohort includes students from both UPOU and UP Cebu, namely Joshua Alinsonorin (UP Cebu-BS Computer Science), Tricia Mae Basmayor (UP Cebu-BSCS), Venice Trixie Caringal (UP Cebu-BS CS), Princess Jaena Marie De La Peña (UP Cebu-BSCS), Janna Alexa Gutierrez (UP Cebu-BSCS), Robbie Lorenzo (UPOU-Master of Distance Education), Hannah Gabriella Macaldo (UPOU-Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies), Aldwin Manguiat (UPOU-MDE), Ma. Francesca Santiago (UPOU-BAMS), and James Gabriel Elijah Ty (UP Cebu-BSCS).
Students from UP and University of Tokyo students’ pose for a group photo following the CALL proposals presentation
The culminating presentations marked the successful conclusion of the virtual exchange program, demonstrating how international collaboration can foster innovation in educational technology while providing students with opportunities to develop practical solutions to real-world language-learning challenges.
The virtual exchange reflects FICS’ continuing commitment to advancing innovation in information and communication studies by providing students with opportunities for international collaboration, technology-enhanced learning, and interdisciplinary education that equip them to develop digital solutions for real-world communication and learning challenges.
Written by: Hannah Gabriella Macaldo
Edited by: Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr., Asst. Prof. Shaira F. Tanay, and Loren P. Sta. Ana