Results indicate that learners had visited more frequently the pages that contained information they need to accomplish the course requirements: home page (mean NOV=87.38); resource page (mean NOV=40.33); and discussion forum page (mean NOV=56.29). Those who had visited the resource page were more likely to visit the discussion forum page, participate in the on-going discussion, and/or create a new thread of discussion. These patterns show that learners seek information that is necessary in their learning transactions. The patterns of navigation however did not show a significant relationship with learners' performance (p>0.05). Other factors may have contributed to their performance, and they must be identified as well to create a virtual environment that can maximize the learners' learning experience.

Landscape metrics for analyzing landscape structures is fast developing topics in landscape ecology. This study examines fractal dimension and patchiness of the Hinabian-Lawigan watershed (Southern Leyte, Philippines), which is a habitat to different critically endangered species in the province. Three indices were used (i.e. total patch number, TPN; mean patch size, MPS; and mean patch fractal dimension, MPFD). The analysis was facilitated through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) and patch analyst extension of ArcGIS. Land use-land cover classification system was used to identify the different patches. Results indicate that the watershed consists of patches of annual cropland, barren land, built-up areas, closed forests, pastureland, and shrubland. Closed forest patches have the largest total area (3,727.98 has) but have the highest TPN (i.e.1,700) and MPS (2.19 has). Their computed MPFD is greater than 1, which means that they are highly fragmented, and needed to be connected. Built-up areas are not prevalent in the watershed but may become a future concern if unmanaged. Of greatest concern is the presence of agricultural production areas (TPN value of 828 and MPFD of 1.52). Encroachment of agricultural production activities to forest areas may lead to further forest fragmentation. Its regular disturbance should be managed.   Keywords - landscape ecology, patch, fractal dimension, fragmentation, landscape,landscape metrics, Geographic Information System, Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Community food security, which is a relatively new concept, has become a global concern amidst momentous impacts of climate change in severalcommunities across the globe. Urban areas in the Philippines, like Calamba Cityin Laguna province, are not exempted from the impacts of climate change. Urbanagriculture landscapes play important roles in establishing community foodsecurity. The study analyzed an urban agricultural landscape in the Philippinesthrough the use of patch analyst extension in a geographic information system(GIS). The study employed the geospatial and temporal image processing andanalysis research method to compare two sets of land use-land cover (LULC)maps, i.e. 2003 and 2010 from NAMRIA. Two landscape metrics were used in the comparison: mean patch size (MPS) and mean shape index (MSI). The landscape consists of two agricultural patches (i.e. annual cropland and perennialcropland) with MPS and MSI values (i.e. MPS = 1,088.15 vs. 274.55 has; MSI= 3.87 vs. 1.94) that significantly changed from 2003 to 2010. Such change maylead to a food production system that is more dependent on external supplies. Externally supported food production system can threaten the local community’sfood security in the long term.Keywords: Landscape ecology, community food security, geographic information system,mean patch size, mean shape index, urban agricultural landscape, descriptivedesign, Philippines

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Distance Education (DE) is a new field in education that is entirely separated from the standard, classroom-based, classical instructional model. It is believed to attract geographically diverse learners. A time series enrolment data (2005-2010) of UPOU was categorized by province, and fed into a GIS-data analysis environment Visual analysis was conducted to analyze the temporal and spatial behavior of the data; identify major spatial units of students ‘concentration; and extract the implications of this behavior on the development of student support system. Data were visualized as maps, tables, and graphs. Results indicate that enrolment in UPOU is increasing within the period of analysis, and enrolment data were widespread in 2005 but tend to aggregate in urban centers in the succeeding years. The increasing trend in enrolment data may be due to the convenience factor of online learning. On the other hand, the geospatial distribution patterns over time highlight the equity and accessibility issue, and the importance of mobile communication facilities as supplemental learning platforms. It is recommended that a mobile-learning environment that is equivalent to the online learning management system may be developed.   Keywords - distance education, student support, UP Open University, geospatial, GIS, student support, time series analysis

Urban landscape is a dynamic system that is altered by disturbances. The changesin landscape patterns between 2003 and 2010 of an urban area in the Philippineswere analyzed by using landscape metrics related to size and shape. A transition tablewas created to determine the transformation of land class type within the period ofanalysis. Eight land class types were identified by using the land use-land cover classificationscheme used by NAMRIA (i.e. closed forest, open forest, annual cropland,perennial cropland, built-up area, wooded grassland, grassland, and shrubland). Annualcropland dominated the landscape in 2003 while built-up area dominated in2010. There is a significant reduction in the computed class area for annual croplandbetween 2003 and 2010 due to its conversion to built-up area, grassland, and forestsin 2010. Computed landscape metrics indicate shape complexity for all land classtypes, and relatively less fragmented landscape. The increasing computed class areafor built-up area between 2003 and 2010 highlights the need to implement an effectivemanagement strategy that can address flooding, solid waste disposal, and pollution.Unless this will be done, the rapid urbanization of the City will lead to a greaterenvironmental catastrophe in the future.Keywords: Landscape Ecology, landscape, urban, metrics, environmental management,Calamba City, Philippines