ON September 26 and 27, the Embassy of the United States’ Regional English Language Office (RELO) hosted a two-day intensive training in Mactan, Cebu that equipped 48 educators from various regions with innovative strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms.
American English Language fellows Laura Roach, Maryann Miller, and Michael Schapiro facilitated the professional development session. According to the embassy, they are highly-qualified professionals in US TESOL or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages selected by the US Department of State for 10-month assignments abroad to support public diplomacy and educational capacity building.
The workshop ‘The Educator’s Edge: Mastering Literacy, AI, and Critical Thought,’ focused on creating an integrated learning module that guides learners from basic language skills to critical thinking skills. The module will serve as a tool for the educators to utilize in their own classrooms and share with their colleagues, creating a multiplier effect in enriched pedagogical practices.
The training also provided hands-on experience to implement American-developed instructional technology. Educators were given a showcase and hands-on experience with six US AI and education technology tools designed to personalize learning and increase classroom efficiency. These will enable teachers to streamline tasks like content creation, assessment, and differentiation, allowing them to focus more on student interaction and critical thought development.
The US Embassy’s Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna framed the initiative as an investment in a critical bilateral relationship: ‘The paradigm of this activity was specifically designed by our American trainers for the professional development of Filipino educators. This program is a concrete example of the robust bilateral cooperation and shared values [with the Philippines, providing revolutionary techniques, and showcasing American excellence in English teaching in the country].’
The program is the latest in a series of initiatives by the US Embassy’s RELO to support education in the Philippines. American English Language fellows are currently teaching and assisting in projects at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Southern Leyte State University, and Mariano Marcos State University, actively building long-term collaborations in education.