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Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT’s AI Town Hall Meeting highlights AI in research and pedagogy

by Kassandra A. Buenafe, OfCom | Apr 21 2026

With the ubiquitous assimilation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in many aspects of life, especially in the academic landscape, Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT steered an important conversation on the role of AI in research and pedagogy on April 20 at the University Gymnasium during the Research Days 2026. 

With the theme, “Transforming Mindanao in a Changing World: Advancing Research, Innovation, and Social Responsibility,” this AI-focused forum was a pivotal event aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of AI's current and future role, particularly in strengthening research methodologies and transforming pedagogical practices within Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT and its impact on the Mindanao region. 

Key themes that were discussed revolved around (1) Preparing Students for the AI-Driven Workforce, (2) Adapting Pedagogical and Assessment Methods, (3) Navigating Ethical and Integrity Challenges, (3) Shifting the Professor's Role, (4) Promoting AI Literacy and Reducing Skepticism, and (5) Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration. 

Faculty, staff, and students had the privilege of listening to different experts from the University who discussed niche angles and topics on AI–Prof.  Rabby Q. Lavilles, DIT, Director, Center for Pedagogical Innovations, talked about “AI-empowered Higher Education”; Prof. Carl John O. Salaan, PhD, Director, Center for Mechatronics and Robotics, discussed “AI-related interdisciplinary research in Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT”; Assoc. Prof. Arnel Zamayla, Ph, Director, Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, prompted the conversation on “Emerging AI technologies”; and lastly, Assoc. Prof. Eddie Bouy B. Palad, Director, Research Integrity and Compliance Office, focused on “AI-policy of Ãå±±½ûµØ–Iligan Institute of Technology.”

The swift integration of AI in pedagogical methods intensifies the need to convene and address the issues that arise around it, and optimize the opportunities AI can provide.  "This Artificial Intelligence Town Hall Meeting," stated Prof. Mark Nolan P. Confesor, PhD, "is our collective response to the rapid integration of AI technologies across Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT's pedagogical methods, assessment strategies, and research practices."

Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT is actively integrating AI across its academic initiatives and activities. With the organization of forums such as the AI Town Hall Meeting, strategically conducted during the Research Days, and the establishment of its AI Policy, Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT is committed to embracing and leveraging new technologies for development, while also being responsible for crafting ethical standards in its incorporation into the academic landscape.

Spanning three days, the Research Days 2026 is set to conclude on April 22, 2026. 

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