In a groundbreaking online lecture held on September 13, 2024, the Research Development and Evaluation Center, under the Office of the Vice President for Research Extension Services and External Linkages, hosted an enlightening session that left educators buzzing with excitement. Themed โEmpowering Educators by Enhancing Teaching Using Generative AI Toolsโ and โGenerative AI Tools for Teaching and Research,โ this event was a beacon of innovation and inspiration.
The highly esteemed lecturer was Dr. Elmer E. Mojica, a distinguished alumnus of the WMSU Integrated Laboratory High School and a celebrated academic from Pace University, New York. Dr. Mojica, who holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Chemistry and a doctorate in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry from UP Los Baรฑos, has an impressive array of accolades. His honors include the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of the Philippines Alumni Awards in America, the 2023 Kenan Award for Teaching Excellence from Pace University, and the 2019 Americaโs Finest Teacher Award Ulirang Guro from the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America.
Dr. Mojica captivated the audience with his insights into the world of Generative AI. He delved into how these cutting-edge tools can revolutionize education by creating dynamic teaching materials and integrating AI-generated content into curricula. He also addressed the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the use of Generative AI, providing a balanced and comprehensive overview.
Participants were particularly intrigued by Dr. Mojica’s practical demonstrations of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. He showcased how these tools can be harnessed to enhance teaching efficiency and boost research productivity. His session was not just theoretical but filled with actionable insights that educators could immediately apply in their classrooms.
The lecture saw enthusiastic participation from around 62 faculty and research coordinators from the College of Liberal Arts, College of Social Work and Community Development, College of Nursing, College of Engineering, College of Asian and Islamic Studies, College of Teacher Education, College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, College of Home Economics, College of Medicine, College of Architecture, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Computing Studies, College of Public Administration and Development Studies, College of Agriculture, College of Sports Science and Physical Education, College of Criminal Justice Education, and External Studies Units of Pagadian, Diplahan, Ipil and Malangas Campuses. The diverse representation underscored the widespread interest in leveraging AI for educational advancement.
Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the session for its depth, clarity, and practical relevance. Initial analysis of the post-evaluation survey indicated that the lecture was a resounding success, leaving many eager for future sessions on similar innovative topics.
This event not only highlighted the potential of Generative AI in education but also reinforced the commitment of the Research Development and Evaluation Center to empower educators with the latest tools and knowledge. As Dr. Mojica aptly demonstrated, the future of education is bright, and with the right tools, educators can truly transform the learning experience. (Ms. Erelee Q. Salang, RDEC)
