Written By Diana Lyn G. Tamayo
Preparing learners for a world that is changing faster than ever requires educators who are willing to learn, reflect, and adapt. Recently, the University of Baguio Basic Education Department attended the Global Conference with the theme “Shaping the Future of Education and Skills in a Changing World” in Paco, Manila, on November 7, 2026. The conference brought together participants from the basic education sector nationwide to examine how teaching and learning must evolve in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
The participants included Dr. Violeta Apiles, the UB High School principal; Dr. Thea Suaco, UB Science High principal; Mrs Diana Lyn Tamayo and Dr. Marilyn Gadgad, assistant principals; and 4 teachers. Together, they gained insights from the plenary session and the breakout sessions that they can bring back to their classrooms and school programs.
The plenary session centered on a timely question: Is AI a boon or a bane? Rather than fearing the technology, the speaker encouraged participants to embrace AI and use it wisely. He presented two narratives: education in the world of AI, and AI in the world of education. Both challenge schools to ask how students can be made more AI-ready.
To show how quickly the technology is advancing, the speaker traced its progress: AI answered in 2021, reasoned in 2024, acts in 2025, and coordinates in 2026. This shows that AI is no longer just a tool for retrieving information, but a technology that is taking on increasingly complex roles, making it all the more important for learners to be prepared.
In the world of education, AI must work effectively with content, pedagogy, and assessment. Students must learn AI ethics, be careful in using it, and know how to harness AI well. The message was clear: AI can support and supplement teaching and learning, but it is not meant to replace the teacher.
The breakout sessions gave the teachers hands-on and practical experiences in their subject areas. In the science group, participants engaged in different hands-on activities, experiencing the concepts first before the explanation, to help children move from being answer-getters to becoming scientific thinkers. In the mathematics session, teachers were taught math techniques that they can use to teach their learners more effectively. The active participation of both managers and teachers shows the school’s shared commitment to improving instruction.
The conference is aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education. This goal aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It is promoted as teachers update their practice and prepare learners for an AI-driven world.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. This goal promotes innovation and the use of technology to build a resilient future. It is promoted through the call to integrate AI responsibly and ethically in content, pedagogy, and assessment.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This goal encourages collaboration among individuals, institutions, and sectors to achieve shared aims. It is promoted as educators come together to exchange ideas, strategies, and good practices.
UB remains committed to professional growth and to preparing basic education learners with the knowledge, skills, and values needed in a changing world. Moving forward, the school looks forward to sharing what was learned with colleagues, strengthening science and math instruction, and sustaining its collaboration with partners so that more teachers and learners are ready for the future. By embracing innovation with integrity and keeping the teacher at the heart of learning, the school continues to build a future-ready community.
