Ateneo develops COVID-19 surveillance tool FASSSTER
In collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Ateneo de Manila University developed the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance Using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler For Early Detection of Diseases (FASSSTER). A COVID-19 modeling and surveillance tool, FASSSTER aims to create “a hub for different data sources” that will help local government units understand the spread of COVID-19 in their respective regions. The Ateneo Center for Computing Competency and Research (ACCCRe) Executive Director Maria Regina Estuar spearheaded a development team for the tool under the FASSSTER than COVID-19 Project. The team consisted of experts in disease modeling, health informatics, social computing, and health systems development. ACCCRe formally turned FASSSTER over to the DOST on September 4. Billie Asuncion
Areté hosts Magisterial Lectures amid the pandemic
In an effort to uphold “academic continuity,” the Areté produced the Magisterial Lectures in collaboration with the Communication Department, the Loyola Schools, and the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Multimedia Communication. The lectures feature notable speakers from the Ateneo faculty who tackle various topics such as global issues and philosophy. For example, former University President Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ discussed the “complex nature” of environmental issues in his lecture titled The Pope, The Poor, and the Planet. The lectures are open for public viewing on the official Areté YouTube Channel, while the full learning packet containing the transcription and the presentation slides is available on the official Areté website. Billie Asuncion
Sanggu survey reveals students’ difficulties in online learning
On August 13, the Sanggunian published the partial results of an online survey regarding students’ experiences with online intersession classes. The survey gathered 744 responses after the Sanggunian and the Loyola Schools Quality Assurance Office first released it on July 30. The partial results revealed that the challenges students faced during online learning include a high number of requirements, underutilized methods for teaching, and confusing modules. Majority of the respondents also pointed out that asynchronous learning was effective when students were able to study at their own pace, but it was not as effective when their workload became too heavy. Billie Asuncion
Ateneo Art Gallery features renowned artists in ArtSpeak Online
Amid the indefinite suspension of on-site classes, the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG) initiated ArtSpeak Online: A series of online panel discussions, forums, and lectures that feature renowned artists such as Agnes Arellano and Poklong Anading. The five episodes cover a wide variety of topics, but they mainly focus on the speaker’s views on social issues, the speaker’s artworks, and the connection between those two subjects. For instance, Charlie Co discussed his views on environmental issues and his artworks’ importance in his life in the September 9 episode. All talks are free of admission and the video recordings are posted on the AAG’s official Facebook page. Billie Asuncion
