Microsoft and Leading AI Innovators Showcase Transformative Education Technologies at SEAMEO INNOTECH

Ms. Clarissa Segismundo, Senior Industry Advisor for Education of ASEAN and Microsoft Philippines, discusses the opportunities for education that AI offers.

Quezon City, Philippines — SEAMEO INNOTECH’s recent webinar, “Exploring Modern Tools for AI in Education”, held on July 19, 2024, shone a spotlight on cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools from prominent technology companies. This event, part of the “Fostering the ‘I’ in AI” series, featured significant presentations from Microsoft, Noodle Factory, and Tagpros Education, each showcasing their pioneering AI solutions and their potential to revolutionize the educational landscape.

Microsoft took center stage with a compelling presentation by Ms. Clarissa Segismundo, Senior Industry Advisor for Education for ASEAN and Microsoft Philippines. Segismundo highlighted Microsoft’s AI-powered tools such as Reading Progress and Reading Coach, integrated into Microsoft 365. She emphasized, “Microsoft’s AI tools are designed to revolutionize education by offering personalized and efficient solutions that support both teachers and students in achieving their educational goals.” Her demonstration showcased how these tools enhance reading fluency and streamline content creation, underlining Microsoft’s commitment to advancing education through AI. The presentation also covered Microsoft Copilot, an AI feature that assists in creating educational materials and managing tasks more efficiently.

Mr. Francis Jim Tuscano, co-founder of Tagpros Education, emphasizes that GabAI will not replace teachers, but empower them.

Tagpros Education co-founder Mr. Francis Jim Tuscano introduced GabAI, describing it as “a teacher’s sidekick.” GabAI, designed specifically for Filipino educators, focuses on automating administrative tasks such as lesson planning and assessments. Tuscano explained that GabAI aims to alleviate the administrative burden on teachers, allowing them to dedicate more time to impactful student interactions. He also introduced Gabby, a chatbot that assists users in navigating the GabAI platform, highlighting the platform’s commitment to supporting teachers by reducing clerical workloads.

Dr. Wagstaff explored the concept of scaling productivity through AI.

Noodle Factory co-founder Dr. Jim Wagstaff presented his company’s AI solutions for personalizing learning through adaptive assessments and automated interactions. During his discussion, Dr. Wagstaff explored the concept of scaling productivity through AI, asking, “What if we could scale ourselves? We as humans do not typically scale very well, but what if we could do that in terms of our own productivity as educators using AI to automate certain activities?” His insights emphasized how Noodle Factory’s tools enhance productivity and engagement while addressing critical ethical issues such as data privacy and bias mitigation. Dr. Wagstaff also stressed the importance of balancing technological innovation with human oversight in educational settings.

The SEAMEO INNOTECH webinar attracted significant attention, garnering over 61,000 views on Facebook and more than 450 views on YouTube. The session provided a valuable platform for these AI leaders to present their innovations and engage with participants through a dynamic Q&A segment. Key topics discussed included the personalization capabilities of AI tools, measures to ensure fairness and accuracy in AI-generated assessments, and the evolving policies surrounding AI use in education.

Ms. Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre, Deputy Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH, opened the event by highlighting AI’s transformative potential in education. She encouraged active participation, stating, “Artificial intelligence holds tremendous promise to transform education and learning.” Her opening remarks set a positive tone for the exploration of AI’s role in enhancing educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Juan Robertino Macalde, Manager of SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Learning Development and Management Office, expressed gratitude to the speakers, participants, and organizing team. Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Dr. Macalde noted, “AI tools not only enrich the learning experiences but also pave the way for unprecedented levels of personalization and inclusivity in education.” He stressed the importance of maintaining ethical practices as AI evolves and concluded by thanking everyone involved for their dedication. Dr. Macalde also encouraged ongoing collaboration to fully harness AI’s potential in education.

Looking ahead, SEAMEO INNOTECH will conclude the first part of the “Fostering the ‘I’ in AI” series with a final webinar on August 16, 2024. Titled AI Governance in Education: Navigating Ethical Implications and Policy Challenges, this session will delve into the latest developments in AI, address major challenges, and discuss the competencies needed for effective AI integration in education. The upcoming webinar will also explore policy frameworks and international collaboration, offering valuable insights for developing comprehensive AI policies and frameworks for Southeast Asia. This session will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube, setting the stage for the SEAMEO INNOTECH 16th International Conference in 2025.