In support of the continuing commitment to strengthening innovative, technology-driven, and outcomes-based education practices among academic leaders and faculty members, academic and management leaders from the University of Baguio took part in a two-day activity as part of the Professional Reinforcement for Innovation and Mentorship in Education (PRIME) program through the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) session on May 25 and 26, 2026, at the FGB Hall.
Part of the Management Development Program – Strategic University Management for Mobilizing Institutional Transformation (MDP – SUMMIT) endeavour provided participants with essential functions and advanced features, along with practical strategies for maximizing digital learning platforms to improve instructional delivery, student engagement, and course management in higher education. In coordination with the Human Resource Management Center (HRMC), the event sought the presence of 44 participants, comprising program chairs, deans, academic leaders, representatives, and management representatives.
The two-day afternoon training workshop featured Mr. Greggy “Iggy” Calauad, Ms. Mikee Valles, and Mr. Elden Pasturan as distinguished speakers and facilitators of MegaTEXTS Phil., Inc., who introduced the Ultra Navigation Overview, giving participants a first-hand look and exploration of the system’s base navigation page, landing pages, account profile setup, notification settings, help icons, and the courses page.
Leading for a Better Academic System: UB’s 2026 Blackboard Training-Workshop
The speakers also discussed the course interface, which included course menus, faculty access, course schedules, course settings, student preview, and other important management tools. Another highlight of the session was Course Building – Part I, where attendees learned how to auto-generate modules, images, questions, rubrics, and discussions, as well as utilize “SafeAssign” to promote academic integrity. Through Parts I and II of the workshop, an open discussion, reflection exercise, and question-and-answer period at the end of the session gave participants a chance to exchange ideas and best practices for incorporating Blackboard LMS and utilizing “SafeAssign” to promote academic integrity in their individual programs.
Alt Text: Greggy “Iggy” Calauad of MegaTEXTS Phil., Inc., spearheading the talk on Blackboard LMS during the PRIME and MDP 2026 training workshop for leaders and educators of the University of Baguio
Day 2 of the Blackboard training workshop focused on advanced course management, student assessment, analytics, and communication tools that further strengthen outcomes-based and technology-enhanced learning in the university. Introducing practical approaches in attempting courses from the student perspective allowed participants to experience how academic learners access courses, submit assignments through “SafeAssign” or Turnitin-enabled platforms, take examinations, participate in discussions, and monitor academic progress.
All while opening the floor for discussion to monitor student progress, track student activity, evaluate course engagement, analyze question performance, and identify course activities related to grades. Highlighting the Blackboard’s communication tools, including announcements, messages, calendars, feedback systems, notes, and mobile application integration, which support timely and effective interaction between faculty and students and wrapping up part III of the series.
It can be recalled that last February 27, 2026, at the FGB hall the deans, program chairs, and selected teachers joined the first training workshop outlining the Blackboard features and roadmap. Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event fosters the institution’s commitment through the following parameters:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – promotes inclusive and equitable quality education through the enhancement of digital teaching and learning competencies among educators
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – through continuous development for educators and academic leaders to inspire and nurture quality roles and leads in professional and personal plans and projects
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by encouraging the integration of innovative educational technologies and digital infrastructure in academic institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering collaboration among educational leaders, technology facilitators, and institutional stakeholders in achieving transformative and sustainable educational practices
The learner and leader activities reinforced the university’s mission of advancing quality education through innovation, digital transformation, and collaborative leadership. Through the PRIME initiative, UB continues to empower academic leaders with competencies that support flexible, technology-enabled, and learner-centered education.
