Article by Lemuel Karl Tadios
CATBALOGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES – From Society 1.0 to Society 5.0, Dr. Jonathan V. Macayan, Dean of the Institute for Digital Learning at Mapua University, highlighted that the academe “should not be left behind in this era of transformation.” On the second day of the 2024 University-Wide Annual Faculty Development Training, resource speaker Dr. Macayan probed into the digital transformation in instructional learning emphasizing a principle-driven educational ecosystem.
Dr. Macayan tackled the shift from blended and hybrid learning to fully online learning environments where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role. He called for urgent policy development to ensure responsible AI use in education, and encouraged SSU to explore ways to incorporate AI and adaptability while maintaining the core principles of learning among students. The lecture also focused on principle-based frameworks that prioritizes the learners, the learning process, and the content. Using the SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition), he explained how technology can enhance learning. He added that the goal is to create a learning environment that is not only flexible but also equitable.
“Learning outcomes should remain the same, regardless of the mode of delivery. We must remain faithful to the outcomes, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed,” Dr. Macayan mentioned.
The afternoon session’s workshop centered on hands-on activities designed to improve curriculum design and delivery among faculty members. The workshop focused along the areas of curriculum mapping to align SSU’s goals with program objectives and outcomes, and instructional delivery.
Ultimately, the training left a significant impact on the SSU teaching workforce, which prompted for a rethinking of current teaching and learning approaches in the digital era.
Ms. Julie Ann Quilatan from the social science discipline said that the lectures prompted her to rethink how she designs and delivers her courses. “Reflecting on Dr. Macayan’s lecture, I realize that we need to upgrade the traditional, time-bound, and number-centric education system. The focus shouldn’t just be on learning but on successful learning—where our students can apply knowledge in real-life contexts,” she said.