Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Informatics+?

A flexible and engaging education model, Informatics+ leverages digital education tools, web-based trainings, online and offline learning management systems, use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and remote and simulated practice labs to provide meaningful learning leading to practical knowledge, skills and abilities among our students. It uses instructional materials that include but are not limited to games, apps, video, audio, and other digital media. This allows Informatics+ to offer a stress-free, more in-depth learning experience that enhances student engagement and satisfaction

Also known generically as personalized-learning, flexible learning and blended learning, Informatics+ enables students to learn at their own pace, anywhere, and anytime, according to their convenience.

2. Are blended learning and online learning basically the same thing?

While blended learning typically involves a mix of online and face-to-face instructional strategies, on-line learning typically does not involve any face-to-face instructional strategies.

3. What are the various learning modes available to students under Informatics+?

With Informatics+, the following modalities are available: full online with synchronous and asynchronous classes, face-to-face, blended learning, and self-paced full online modality.

1) Full online classes are delivered full online without any face-to-face learning classes. These are done synchronously and asynchronously with fixed schedules for both.

2) Face-to-face or in-person classes are held particularly for subject areas with as topics that require immediate demonstration after conceptual discussions.

3) Blended learning is a combination of self-paced online learning and in-person classroom sessions.

4) Self-paced full online modality is for approved petitioned subjects and Professional Electives where students take their subjects full online without face-to-face sessions, study at their own pace with scheduled consultation sessions with a Mentor.

(NOTE: It is important to have fixed schedules for synchronous and asynchronous classes, online and in- person for organized room assignments at the center and to avoid conflicting schedules of classes, either synchronous online or face-to-face. Fixed and predictable schedule will also ensure abiding by the social/physical distancing set by the IATF Guidelines.)

4. What happens during online learning and in-person classroom sessions?

During full online learning, students are actively involved in knowledge acquisition and construction of their own learning. Students are given login credentials to a digital resource which they can access to study anytime and anywhere, according to their convenience. On the other hand, during in-person classroom sessions, students are expected to share insights and clarifications about the concepts learned during the online learning session.

5. Will classes be recorded during synchronous online classes?

Yes. The recorded sessions will be uploaded to ION, Informatics’s Learning Management System, which will form part of the subject courseware and may be accessed by students for future reference and review. These recorded sessions will also benefit those who missed the session.

6. What learning materials will be used in this program?

All learning materials will be in digital form. Most are proprietary contents developed by international subject experts. However, there are also materials which are developed by Informatics professional teachers. They also be uploaded in ION as part of the courseware.

7. How are learning modalities chosen per subject?

When you enroll, you will be assigned subjects based on your curriculum and academic pre- and co-requisites. Learning modalities are dictated by the subject category. Please, refer to question no. 3.

8. How many students are there in a class?

For in-person and synchronous classes, the maximum class size is 40.

9. Is Informatics+ proven effective?

• Globally, 61% of students have taken at least one online course or participated in a completely online competency-based program in their life (Dahlstrom et al., 2015, p. 30).
• 57% of students enrolled in an online degree program also visit their physical campus (Best Colleges, 2020, p. 3).
• 65% of faculty worldwide supports open educational sources, which is a less traditional approach (Dahlstrom et al., 2015, p. 31).
• The combination of conventional or traditional learning and modern learning methods using digital learning platforms and tools makes blended learning the ideal learning delivery mode for the post-pandemic era. (University of the Philippines Memorandum on Learning Delivery Modes, 2022).
• One study by Aspden and Helm showed that blended learning improves student engagement by letting them study in their own time and at their own pace. It also allows students to interact with teachers and fellow learners, enhancing their confidence.
• Moreover, the use of digital tools can help educators collect data on student success andprovide guidance and support.

So, yes, it is effective!

10. What sets apart Informatics+ from the rest of the schools’ programs?

What sets Informatics+ apart from the rest is the use of time-tested, technology-proven, award winning learning management tools and digital learning platforms. Aside from that, the design of the program is geared toward students acquiring 21st century skills through authentic, project-based learning. Please, see table for more details.

11. Who Should Take up Informatics+??

Informatics+ is for individuals passionate to gain knowledge for a rewarding experience, who are eager and excited about becoming tech-savvy and highly skilled professionals and future innovators. Being passionate means being focused on the subject and lessons at hand while having fun in learning and collaboration with other like-minded individuals.

12. Are all exams and activities taken online?

Except for subjects taken face-to-face, all examinations are conducted online. Academic activities such as assignments may be done online or offline. All submissions will be done online through ION.

13. How do I take my online exams?

Examinations are taken online through ION once the student has been issued with a digital exam permit.

14. Do online exams have a time limit?

Yes. Time limit depends on the type of examination to be taken.

15. What do I do if l lose Internet connectivity while taking the exam?

All students are expected to ensure the stability of Internet connection prior to taking examinations. If Internet connection is unstable prior to taking examinations, students must inform their professors ahead of time. If for some uncontrollable situation occurs that causes Inform your connectivity problem, inform your teacher immediately and discuss how you can continue taking your examination.

16. What do I do if my ION account is locked?

You may send an email to _________@informatics.edu.ph to have your ION account unlocked as well as for concerns the use of other platforms related to Informatics+. For other technical concerns, you may also contact ______________ through mobile ________________ or Instant Messenger ________________ for immediate action.

17. I don’t have any experience with online and blended learning. Will I be given a seminar, an orientation or a training on the use of the learning systems and tools on Informatics+?

A student orientation will be conducted before start-of-class (SOC) on the use of our platforms, student transactions, school rules and regulations and other important information. Please, feel free to ask questions if there are things which are unclear to you during and even after the orientation. We want you to be ready and to have fun as you journey into your successful future career!