The Philippine Normal University (PNU), as the Permanent Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN), spearheaded and hosted the Workshop on the Development of the ASEAN Studies for Teachers Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) held on 16–17 July 2026 at Lime Resort Manila, Philippines. The workshop brought together representatives from AsTEN member institutions across Southeast Asia to collaboratively design a regional learning platform that will strengthen ASEAN literacy and promote regional understanding among educators.
Joining the workshop were delegates from Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Malaysia), Yangon University of Education (Myanmar), National Institute of Education–Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Kasetsart University (Thailand), University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam), and Philippine Normal University (Philippines).
The initiative forms part of PNU’s continuing efforts to advance teacher education and contribute to ASEAN integration through innovative and accessible learning opportunities. The workshop sought to develop the macro and microlearning design of the MOOC, identify relevant themes and competencies, and establish a roadmap for course development and implementation.
Discussions were led by Dr. Ma. Arsenia C. Gomez, Director of the Research Management Office, and Mr. Edwin A. Quiñosa, Jr., who facilitated sessions on the importance of ASEAN Studies, the identification of learning outcomes and competencies, the selection of key themes, and the development of the course’s microlearning framework.
The workshop highlighted the findings from each member institution’s focus group discussions, which underscored the growing need for a common ASEAN knowledge base among teachers, stronger intercultural competence, digital and AI readiness, and greater access to quality educational resources. These insights served as critical inputs in designing a MOOC that responds to the realities and emerging needs of educators across the region.
Participants also reviewed existing ASEAN Studies programs, curriculum frameworks, and open educational resources from various institutions and organizations. These discussions enabled the group to identify best practices and promising approaches that may be adapted for the ASEAN Studies for Teachers MOOC.
On the second day, delegates finalized the proposed course themes, learning objectives, and course outline. They likewise agreed on the distribution of tasks, development timeline, and collaborative mechanisms that will guide the next phase of content production and implementation.
The workshop reflects PNU’s leadership in fostering regional academic cooperation and its commitment to developing future-ready educators capable of navigating an increasingly interconnected ASEAN community. Through this initiative, PNU continues to serve as a catalyst for educational innovation, collaboration, and capacity building among teacher education institutions in Southeast Asia. The MOOC is expected to be launched in November 2026.
The Philippine Normal University reaffirmed its commitment as the National Center for Teacher Education to advancing excellence in teacher education and strengthening regional partnerships that empower educators to cultivate regional consciousness, intercultural understanding, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of Southeast Asia.
