Key Insights of the REEL Extension Project

The culmination of the REEL Extension Project in partnership with MIT, Inc. - Marawi will be this year 2025. A study will follow in two years to assess the impact of the extension project to the community.

The key insights of the REEL extension project are as follows:

            Focus on Practical Skill Development. The hands-on approach for the second seminar highlights a growing recognition among educational institutions that practical skills in tools like LaTeX and Python are essential for modern research and academic work. By emphasizing hands-on training, participants are more likely to gain confidence and competence in using these tools for their projects.

            Stakeholder Engagement. The initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to involving various stakeholders—educators, stakeholders from the Marawi institute, and accreditation teams—in the formulation of educational programs. This collaborative approach ensures that the training is relevant and meets the actual needs of the participants while enhancing the project’s credibility.

            Utilizing Feedback for Improvement. The transition from feedback collected after the first seminar to the development of a more interactive and hands-on second seminar illustrates the department's responsiveness to participant needs. This agility not only improves the educational offerings but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within educational programs.

            Alignment with Accreditation Standards. The involvement of the AACCUP Accreditation Team reinforces the importance of institutional standards in planning and executing extension training. Their recommendations to engage stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to quality education and institutional accountability, which may enhance the department’s reputation and effectiveness.

            Importance of Research Literacy. By prioritizing topics like research methodology and statistical analysis, the seminar addresses a critical gap in research literacy among educators. This focus is paramount as it equips participants with the necessary statistical tools and knowledge to conduct high-quality research, enhancing their teaching and facilitating better outcomes for their students.

            Commitment to Open-Source Tools. The training’s emphasis on open-source software illustrates a commitment to making educational resources accessible and affordable. By equipping educators and researchers with skills in widely-used platforms like LaTeX and Python, the seminar facilitates democratization of educational resources across various socio-economic backgrounds.

            Integration of Technology in Education. The introduction of programming and statistical software into the educational training curriculum reflects a broader trend towards integrating technology in educational settings. This is crucial as it prepares educators to better engage with students, who increasingly rely on technology in learning and research.

            In summary, the REEL Extension Project encapsulates a comprehensive approach to enhancing educational practices among researchers and educators, facilitating skill acquisition in vital areas for modern academic success. Through effective feedback integration, stakeholder involvement, and a strong focus on practical applications of technology, the event aims to empower participants, foster collaboration, and strengthen research literacy within the educational community.