Manado Independent School (MIS) reaffirmed its commitment to educational excellence through a comprehensive two-day in-service training held on July 22 and 23, 2024, at the MIS Auditorium. This semestral event, a cornerstone of the MIS academic calendar, brought together all teachers and staff to kickstart the 2024-2025 school year.
Centered around the theme “The Role of AI in Education,” the training aimed to equip educators with the digital literacy necessary to navigate the evolving educational landscape. Separate sessions for teachers and staff were conducted at the MIS Auditorium and Function Hall, respectively.
Renowned AI expert Phaneendra Puppala, MSc, Dean of the Faculty of Computing at Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand, delivered an insightful keynote address to MIS teachers. His comprehensive exploration of AI’s potential in education was met with enthusiasm. Elaine Aguda, a BSE middle school teacher, expressed her excitement about the possibilities AI offers: “AI is revolutionizing fields from finance to medicine, and education is no exception. Teachers can harness AI tools to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity. It’s essential to strike a balance between leveraging technology and developing students’ core competencies.” Aguda shared her experience using Canva, Quizziz, and Edpuzzle to create engaging English language learning activities.
Melisa Rende, an M.Kom Elementary IT teacher, acknowledged the immense potential of AI but also highlighted the accompanying challenges. “Ensuring equitable access to AI resources, providing ongoing teacher training, safeguarding student data, and preserving the human touch in education are critical considerations,” she stated. MIS is committed to addressing these challenges to optimize student outcomes.
On the first day, MIS Director Billy Kumolontang, MBA, emphasized the importance of dedication, diligence, and effective communication for staff success. The following day, School Board Chairman Joppi Rondonuwu, Ph.D., inspired staff with a call to embrace the new semester with enthusiasm and commitment.
The successful in-service training is expected to bolster teacher and staff capabilities, foster innovation, and elevate MIS’s global educational standing.
