When technology transforms the classroom, the educator’s
greatest responsibility is not simply to keep pace with innovation, but to
decide how innovation should serve learning, dignity, inclusion, and human
judgment. Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC), through the Graduate School
Education (GSE), conducted MAEDucate: A Webinar for MA English Students on AI,
Inclusive Teaching, and Safe Learning Environments via Zoom on August 16, 2026.
Anchored on the theme “Empowering Future Educators through AI,
Inclusion, and Safe Learning,” the webinar was an academic initiative of the
students of MA 701: Philosophical and Social Theories in Education, connecting
philosophical and social perspectives with contemporary concerns involving
artificial intelligence, learner diversity, ethical technology use, and safe
learning environments.
Under the academic guidance of Dr. Mark Gennesis B. Dela Cerna,
MA 701 Professor, the initiative challenged graduate students to move beyond
theory and examine how emerging technologies and changing social realities
reshape teaching, learner experiences, and professional responsibility.
Moreover, the webinar featured Dr. Erick T. Baloran, Dean and College Professor
of the University of Mindanao – Bansalan College, whose expertise spans Applied
Linguistics, English Language Teaching, educational research, academic writing,
data analysis, and artificial intelligence in education.
In particular, Dr. Baloran’s session on Inclusive and
Responsible AI Use in English Language Education explored how AI can support
lesson planning, language practice, assessment, differentiation, and learner
engagement while still requiring teacher judgment, academic integrity, data
privacy, transparency, and ethical technology use. At the same time, the
webinar emphasized inclusive pedagogy and psychologically safe learning
environments, especially in addressing misinformation, privacy concerns, cyberbullying,
inappropriate digital content, unequal access to technology, and the need to
protect meaningful learner participation.
More significantly, MAEDucate advanced SDG 4: Quality
Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice
and Strong Institutions, while affirming that educational innovation must
remain accountable to human values and sound professional judgment.
As AI expands what is possible in education, CMC continues to
prepare future educators who understand that technology can extend capability,
but it cannot replace the ethical discernment, inclusive practice, and
transformative influence of a teacher.
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