In a virtual awarding ceremony last February 26, 2021, Zamboanga’s local government conferred on Ateneo de Zamboanga University the Local Achievers Award in the academe category. The award is given to recognize the university’s efforts and contributions to the city, especially during the pandemic.
Even as society was at a standstill, AdZU continued to take education to the virtual platform. This exploration led to RIGHT Learning and ForTe, AdZU’s holistic response to the digital classroom shift.
RIGHT Learning, which stands for Responsive, Independent, Guided, Holistic, and Technology-Assisted, is a learning approach designed to help students transition to a more virtual classroom. It addresses students’ needs in the present social reality, making academic and formation programs accessible through online platforms and learning modules. Additionally, these programs have been redesigned to help students adapt to their pace and situation, making learning student-centered and self-directed. All of these changes were made to ensure quality in learning and values formation.
ForTe, on the other hand, stands for Formation and Teaching through Technology. This program, created by the AdZU School of Education and College of Science and Information Technology’s combined expertise, is made to redesign the curriculum, re-engineer the classroom, and reinvent student life. ForTe provides training, workshops, and formation sessions for faculty and staff to prepare for a virtual classroom transition. This training series ensures that teachers and formators can provide support and encouragement for learners’ progress and achievement.
All of these programs were developed and implemented to cultivate excellence not only in academics but also in values and virtues that will set our graduates a cut above the rest. As the new school year started, teachers, students, and parents explored new learning and teaching methods.
Apart from its commitment to educating and forming leaders, AdZU also took part in the city’s response and recovery activities. Among its many contributions include the #AdZUCONTRACOVID19 campaign, Quetal’ Tu? Mental wellness consultations, the COVID19 Close Contact Monitoring Support System (CCCMSS), and the COVID Mapping Platform for Attribution and Spatial Survey.
Zamboanga City’s recognition of the university’s contribution is a testament that together, we can build a more robust learning community for future generations, grounded in the Ignatian values of magis and cura personalis.
The entire AdZU Community is inspired to continue service pro Deo et Patria.
The ceremony was part of a Facebook livestream of A Celebration of History and Excellence: A Dia de Zamboanga Documentary, celebrating Zamboanga City’s 84th Charter Anniversary. Ten other institutions and individuals also received the Local Achievers Award for different categories.
