On 18 April 2026, the Saint Louis University Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department of the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) successfully conducted its first face-to-face activity and culminating ceremony for the extension program titled “Enhancing Instruction for Electronics Engineering Programs Through SLU ECE-Developed Browser-Based Simulators” at the SIRIB Center, Otto Hahn Building, SLU Main Campus.
Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and 17 (Partnership for Goals), the activity was held in line with the theme “E-nvision, C-onnect, E-mpower,” and in collaboration with its partner institutions: the University of Baguio (UB), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and Saint Mary’s University (SMU) of Nueva Vizcaya.
The extension program primarily focused on sharing the developed simulators and training faculty members in their effective integration into teaching. By introducing browser-based transmission lines and coding and modulation simulators, the program aimed to strengthen educators’ capabilities in delivering simulator-based instruction. Furthermore, the program promoted innovation in curriculum design by encouraging simulator-based learning experiences that supplement or replace traditional laboratory activities, particularly in resource-limited environments or when face-to-face classes are not possible.
The ECE extension team is composed of (L-R): Engr. Michael Cagaoan (ECE Dept Head), Engr. April Miranda, Engr. Edilyn Batad, Engr. Elaine Rivera, Engr. Zenaida Agustin, Engr. Florence Leslie Campolet (Extension Program Coordinator – EPC), Engr. Caroline Bautista (Associate Dean), Engr. Joe Arthur Agustin and Engr. Raul Mabitazan.
The initiative began with a series of online training sessions in September 2025, starting with three sessions on the transmission line simulator conducted by Engr. Zenaida L. Agustin. This was followed by another set of three sessions on the coding and modulation simulator, led by Engr. Joe Arthur R. Agustin, which continued until March 2026. Participating faculty representatives included Engr. Leah Talusig (UB), Engr. Joel Mendoza (Department Head, SMU), Engr. Teofilo Sagabaen (SMU), and Engr. Jericho Unson (UC), along with student representatives Ms. Mariel Cruz and Mr. Nerfe Galagal from UC.
The first part of the culminating program featured a face-to-face wrap-up session led by Engr. Joe Arthur R. Agustin, author and lead researcher of the browser-based simulators. He explained that these tools were initially developed to support online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the session, he demonstrated key concepts, features, and applications of the simulators in both lecture and laboratory settings. He emphasized the importance of preparing simulation exercises in advance to ensure accurate demonstration of concepts using appropriate variables and system specifications.
The second part of the program featured output presentations from the partner institutions, highlighting the impact of the extension initiative on technology and knowledge transfer. Engr. Leah Talusig demonstrated Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) with digital companding using varying frequencies, illustrating how the simulator can be effectively integrated into lecture classes. She noted that the tool significantly reduces tedious computations by automatically generating results based on user-defined inputs.
Engr. Joel Mendoza presented a laboratory activity using the transmission line simulator, in which students investigate the behaviour of transmission lines when terminated with different types of loads and subjected to voltage steps. He also demonstrated techniques for determining a transmission line’s characteristic impedance.
Student presenters from UC shared their first-time experiences using the simulators. They highlighted the advantage of the applications in displaying essential transmission line parameters that would otherwise require lengthy manual calculations. They also expressed interest in further exploring the coding and modulation simulator to maximize its use in laboratory classes.
The final segment of the event was the closing program. Inspirational messages from the SLU Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center were delivered by RISE Director Richel Lamadrid, PhD and Jeramie Molino, PhD through Engr. Florence Leslie Campolet, ECE Extension Program Coordinator. A message to the partner communities from Engr. Jeffrey Des Binwag, SEA Dean, was delivered by Engr. Michael Cagaoan, ECE Dept. Head. The awarding of certificates to participants and resource speakers was facilitated by Engr. Caroline Bautista, Associate Dean of SEA, and Engr. Cagaoan, ECE Dept. Head. Closing remarks were given by Engr. Bautista.
The program was hosted by Engr. April Miranda and Engr. Edilyn Batad, while the evaluation and survey for the online training sessions were facilitated by Engr. Elaine Rivera.
Overall, the activity marked a memorable and successful milestone as the ECE Department completed the first cycle of its extension program, strengthening collaboration among institutions and enhancing teaching and learning through innovation. An impact assessment is scheduled for Academic Year 2026–2027. All Praise and Honor to God. (Article by Engr. Florence Leslie L. Campolet and Photos by SLU-ECE Department)
