by: Adriennel Defita
“No engineering schools left behind.” - Dr. Arnold C. Paglinawan, Dean, School of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, Mapúa University
MANILA, Philippines — Hosted by the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools (PAES) and co-presented by Mapua University, PAES kicked off its 2-day General Assembly and the First National Engineering Education Summit (NEEdS) at Mapúa University’s Gymnasium on the 20th of September until the 21st of September, 2024. With the theme “Philippine Engineering Education 4.0: Confronting Challenges, Shaping the Future through Artificial Intelligence,” PAES instills a very insightful approach to engineering–utilizing Artificial Intelligence in ways beyond its common application.
Key highlights of the first day included students’ pitching their brilliant ideas for the “Undergraduate Engineering Design Contest”, simultaneous workshops dove deep into AI’s assistance in engineering mechanics for classroom management, designing outcome-based effective assessment, and student-centered assignments in engineering education. The first day also highlighted talks of the integration of AI in education and its role in shaping the future, the announcement of the winners of the Engineering Design Contest, and the introduction to the new COMELEC of PAES.
The journey of enlightenment continued the following day as the event participants witnessed the wit and expertise of Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela — the Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Her persuasive speech was followed by Plenary talks on five challenges by the following speakers: Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, Dr. Mary Rose C, Imperial, Dr. Rosula SJ Reyes, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangeo, and Ms. Rossana T. Adao. An open forum and parallel sessions of the five challenges commenced after the said Plenary Talks.
“With this first National Engineering Education Summit, we could be a catalyst to start an era of unified growth ” - Dr. Paglinawan stated.
The NEEdS 2024 tackled critical discussions on Innovative Teaching Methods and Curriculum, Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Digital Transformation, and Industry and Academe Linkages and Professional Life and Lifelong Learning, with all revolving on artificial intelligence becoming a core medium of change. Furthermore, its commencement with interactive and engaging activities such as the Undergraduate Engineering Design and Technopreneurship Contest extends its vision of branching out virtuosity from experts to aspiring innovators.
This summit was the first of its kind and holding it at Mapua University became a symbol of a new beginning of engineering education in the Philippines. By injecting AI into engineering education curriculums, challenges are confronted and the future is shaped, one bright mind after another. Moreover, Mapua strives for its students’ success and aspires to inspire other institutions to do the same by integrating AI into their curriculum. PAES offers the NEEdS 2024 as a catalyst of change in our mindset as engineers — to utilize AI as a revolutionary tool that amplifies ideas and potential. As Mapuans walk closer to its centennial celebration, they are more equipped than ever to bring engineering beyond traditionality and to the realm of artificial intelligence, bringing excellence beyond horizons.
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