Upskill for free: UP Open University launches 2026 online course calendar

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has released its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) calendar for the first half of 2026, offering 28 free courses aimed at providing accessible, high‑quality education to learners worldwide.

Delivered through UPOU’s Massive Open Distance eLearning (MODeL) platform, the courses continue the university’s mission of “openness,” providing technical and professional training without traditional admission barriers.

The January‑to‑June curriculum spans a variety of topics, from disaster resilience and child development to biodiversity and entrepreneurship.

This year, four new offerings address emerging market needs and social priorities:

• Practical Home Behavior Management for Children with Special Needs – A guide for caregivers and educators.

• Data Annotation for Aspiring BPO Professionals – Focused on AI and outsourcing industries.

• Climate Information Services – Covers environmental data and disaster preparedness.

• Internalizing Behaviors among Children and Practical Home Support – Specialized psychological support training.

Classic courses such as Introduction to Open Distance eLearning (ODEL) and Intercultural Communication Japan I remain available for learners seeking to strengthen their academic or professional portfolios.

All MOOCs are self‑paced, allowing learners to study alongside work or personal commitments. Participants who complete the modules receive a 16‑hour e‑certificate, which can be credited as official training for resumes and professional development.

Enrollment opens two weeks before each course month via the UPOU MODeL portal.

Course Highlights: January – June 2026

• January

  • Basics of Resilience

  • Hazard and Risk Assessment Fundamentals

• February

  • Practical Home Behavior Management for Children with Special Needs (New)

  • Data Annotation for Aspiring BPO Professionals (New)

  • Climate Information Services (New)

  • Intercultural Communication Japan I: A Digitally Enhanced Approach

• March

  • Introduction to Technology for Teaching and Learning

  • Introduction to Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)

  • Risk Analysis for Project Management

  • Introduction to Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Agriculture in the ASEAN Region

  • Strategies and Best Practices on Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Agriculture

  • Policy Development and Governance Supporting Biodiversity in Agriculture

  • Identifying the Red Flags of Developmental Delays

  • Understanding the Child Better

• April

  • Strategic Planning in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)

  • Teaching and Learning with Modern ICTs

  • Legal Instruments for the Protection of Children

  • Overview of Policies and Strategies for Climate and Disaster Resilience

  • Resilience Strategies Across the Four Pillars

• May

  • Quality Assurance in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)

  • Blended Teaching and Learning Using OERs

  • Online Mothers’ Class

• June

  • Introduction to Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)

  • Institutional Mechanisms Towards Child Rights Protection and Promotion

  • What Makes an Entrepreneur?

  • Business Concepts, Ideation & the Business Plan

  • Learner Support in Open Distance eLearning (ODEL)

  • Internalizing Behaviors among Children and Practical Home Support (New)

UPOU will announce the second half of 2026 schedule (July–December) separately. For more details or assistance, learners can email model@upou.edu.ph or follow the university’s official social media channels.