AI use in PH classrooms must fit students' needs —solon

Some things must be considered before artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into the classroom, said House Basic Education and Culture Committee chairperson Roman Romulo. 

While AI can be an effective learning tool, Romulo said that it’s important for students to develop critical thinking. 

“May advantages siya, but before we implement it fully kailangan natin pag-aralan kung ano yung tamang level at kung sino yung mga estudyante na kailangan natin bigyan ng AI. Kasi mayroon ng mga pag-aaral, although preliminary po yun, may lumabas na pag-aaral I think from schools in Boston na sinasabi nga nila hindi naman wholesale ibigay natin yung AI sa lahat o yung technology,” he said in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday. 

(It has its benefits, but before we roll it out completely, we need to carefully consider the appropriate level and which students truly need AI. There are already studies, though preliminary, I think from schools in Boston, that suggest we shouldn't just give AI or the technology to everyone wholesale.) 

“Kasi maganda pa rin na nadedevelop yung learner o yung bata yung traditional way of learning. Nahahasa din papunta siyang critical thinking, kailangan talaga pinag-iisipan niya yung bawat bagay,” Romulo added. 

(It's still beneficial for learners and children to develop using traditional learning methods. This also sharpens their critical thinking skills, requiring them to genuinely ponder every detail.) 

The latest Philippine Statistics Authority study showed that more than 1 in 5 Filipinos aged 10 to 64 have difficulty comprehending what they read—despite being able to read, write, and compute.

National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the basic literacy rate — the share of people who can read, write, and compute — is 93.1%, but only 70.8% are considered functionally literate, meaning they can also comprehend.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted concerns about the education system, including literacy. 

“May value talaga ang AI. Pero hindi siya pwedeng wholesale for now, one size does not fit all. Kailangan natin ma-tailor fit yung pagintroduce ng technology, pag-introduce ng AI depending po sa sitwasyon para responsible din yung paggamit ng mga developments na ito,” said Romulo. 

(AI truly has value. However, it can't be a wholesale solution for now; one size doesn't fit all. We need to tailor the introduction of this technology and AI depending on the situation, ensuring responsible use of these developments.) 

“Pero naniniwala ako, the moment ma-full throttle at effective na ito na ginagawa ng DepEd natin, nakatutok na sa functional literacy, the computer technology will be used in the right way,” he added, referring to the Department of Education’s ARAL Program which offers free tutorials and interventions to students struggling with reading, mathematics, and science. 

(But I believe the moment our DepEd fully and effectively implements this focus on functional literacy, computer technology will be used in the right way.)

Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago, director of education center SEAMEO Innotech, said in a separate interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that AI should be treated more like an assistant to make things easier for both students and teachers.

“Baka hindi na puwede yung traditional na delivery of education, na delivery of learning. We have to think out[side] the box to make sure na yung AI, we use them as our collaborator, as our assistant. Assistant sa pagtuturo, ganon din sa learning, deepening and enhancing the learning,” she said.

(Maybe the traditional delivery of education or delivery of learning is no longer feasible. We have to think out[side] the box to make sure we use AI as our collaborator, as our assistant. Assistant in teaching, as well as learning, deepening and enhancing learning.)

“Ang dami-daming trabaho ng mga guro. Kung meron siyang assistant, yung AI na tinatawag, kumbaga mababawasan yung mga panahon na ginugugol ng guro sa mga administratibong pagche-check, yung mga ganon, makakapag-focus sa mas lalong pag-deliver or pagbalangkas ng mga lesson plan,” she added.

(Teachers have so many things to do. If they have an assistant, which we call AI, it can lessen the time teachers spend on administrative checking and instead focus on better delivery or formulation of their lesson plans.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras and Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF/VBL, GMA Integrated News