Director of GSC joins a round table discussion on Generative AI and education

Dr. Dave Marcial, the director of the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center, participated in a regional experts’ meeting titled, “Empowering Minds: A Round Table on Generative AI and Education in Asia-Pacific, held at the Pullman Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on November 7-9, 2023.

Organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, the meeting gathered 98 experts, educators, and youth from 20 UNESCO member states, international organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.

The primary aim of the experts’ round table was to inform and guide the transformation of education systems in the Asia-Pacific region. It involved discussions on the implications for the responsible and ethical integration of generative AI in teaching and learning, with a specific focus on ChatGPT and other emerging technologies. Additionally, the roundtable aimed to enhance the capacities of educators to utilize AI competencies at the school level, optimizing benefits and minimizing risks.

The roundtable experts’ meeting comprised three main sessions: 1) Gen AI Potential Solutions and Good Practices for Integrating Generative AI in Teaching and Learning, 2) Benefits and Risks for Generative AI and Education, and 3) Policy Recommendations and Future Directions for Inclusive and Equitable Access to AI in Education. Aside from these sessions, it also featured a youth debate on the topic, “Human Teachers vs. AI Tutors: Which is More Effective?” and a hands-on workshop.

Marcial served as the rapporteur during the Breakout Session on empowering educators and learners with Gen-AI skills and competencies. He was also a note-taker of the Breakout Session 2 on recommendations for ensuring inclusive and equitable access to Gen-AI.

The output document from these sessions will guide strategic actions for the responsible and ethical integration of generative AI in education for governments, policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region.