Reshaping the Future of Education with Artificial Intelligence
The Philippines is actively exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the education sector in order to create a tailor-fit approach to students’ learning styles from all backgrounds. In celebration of International Day of Education last January 2025, The Department of Education called for the ethical use of AI in education so that all students can thrive in their learning environment and teachers can serve their students better. Undersecretary and Chief of Staff of the Department of Education Atty. Fatima Lipp Panontongan said, “Let us champion the use of AI as a tool for empowerment, not replacement. Let us equip our youth with the wisdom to use it responsibly. Together, let us create a future where technology amplifies human potential rather than diminishes it."
Mapúa Malayan Digital College or MMDC, the premier digital-first college in the Philippines, is taking this modern approach to better serve all students, most especially working students, in today’s tech-driven world. MMDC’s Instructional System Design Director Noel Torregoza says, “MMDC leverages AI primarily to improve our ability to support learners, and enrich their learning experiences. By following MMDC's Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) learning model, powered by AI tools, we organically generate the need and interest through real-world application, while ensuring we have a sufficient support system that's available when needed. This makes the learning experience more relevant and impactful.”
Nicolas D. Lugtu IV, a third-year Information Technology student specializing in Data Analytics at MMDC shares how AI has become an important part of his studies. “A lot of people see AI as a shortcut — or worse, a way to “cheat” — but they’re missing its true potential. AI, when used responsibly, is a tool for growth. For students entering a fully online college experience like MMDC, it can serve as a powerful learning companion. It helps personalize the experience, encourage independent thinking, and give students the space to learn at their own pace while still challenging themselves,” he said.
Leading the way: MMDC’s AI-Powered Online College Program
The responsible use of AI in MMDC’s programs also helps mentors do their job more efficiently so they can better guide their students. “AI helps extend the reach of our mentors – this allows them to better monitor and analyze learner performance, create coaching simulations, and provide timely, personalized feedback. Ultimately, we can amplify support without compromising the human touch,” Torregoza shares. “On top of that, as we recognize the likelihood of AI being a critical future skill, we're beginning to embed it into our learning outcomes – ensuring the learners understand its role in their tasks and future roles.”
MMDC now also utilizes Coursera’s AI Coach as a tool that acts like a virtual mentor where all students, no matter their learning style, are able to get feedback and ask questions to improve their work. Lugtu says, “There were many instances when my group and I struggled to come up with strong ideas for our projects. Using AI to help us brainstorm has made us more efficient and focused. Instead of spending hours stuck in creative limbo, we’re now able to shift our energy into refining and executing our plans."
In addition to this, MMDC also uses AI Authentication to verify the work output of students ensuring that students still develop the proper skills in executing their deliverables, as well as AI Dialogue, which enables instructors to design immersive learning activities while AI engages students in an interactive dialogue.
Prompt engineering is another way MMDC programs is by introducing the importance of prompt engineering when using AI. As Torregoza puts it, “Prompt Engineering is engaging AI in an effective and efficient manner to get what you want. It can range from asking it the right questions, providing the right context, or giving the right instructions. In education, it teaches learners to think critically, communicate clearly, and break problems into parts. More than being a tech ability, it really is more a thought model for the AI-powered world.”
Students like Lugtu have the opportunity to hone the right critical thinking skills to be able to use AI effectively and efficiently through this practice. “I’ve definitely seen how asking the right questions and giving specific instructions can make all the difference,” he says. “Of course, there are moments when the output still misses the mark, but I treat that as part of the learning journey. With time, I’ve been getting better at shaping prompts that actually guide the AI to give me what I need.”
AI as a Learning Partner for All Students
Other MMDC students share the same sentiments on the integration of AI into their online college program.
“I’d say it’s an approach that is unique since not all educational institutions are open to AI being integrated in their curriculum and it is one thing I like about MMDC. Since AI is 'normalized' in the institution, students treat it as a tool that is often not abused in a way that hinders academic growth,” says Mary Julliane Maycacayan, a third year BS IT student specializing in Network and Cybersecurity. “I firmly believe that it is a tool that is meant to be utilized. However, students should always keep in mind that AI is just as smart as the user.”
Rei Emmanuel M. Cristobal, a third year BS IT student specializing in Software Development adds, “Unlike traditional online learning, where I’d still have to manually search through Google or YouTube to find answers, AI lets me ask questions directly and if I want to know the source, I can prompt it. [However], pairing AI with manual research is still the key to achieving true learning.”
Lastly, Jodienne Esperas, a third year BS IT student specializing in Software Development shares that not only does AI help her better understand complex topics and makes her workflows easier but also makes her feel confident when asking questions. “My experience with the AI Coach has been different from traditional online learning because I can freely ask the AI questions without fear of judgment, which makes learning feel more open and comfortable.”
Preparing for an AI-driven future
AI has had a profound impact on enhancing students’ learning experiences around the world and will continue to do so in the years to come. It’s a matter of being educated on how to use it responsibly and integrating it seamlessly into the nuances of everyday human life. For Lugtu, this exposure to AI early on in his academic journey has also become a professional advantage. “Businesses, institutions, and industries are all embracing automation and intelligent systems — so being skilled in using AI isn’t just helpful, it’s a competitive advantage for the future.”
Develop the right skills, learn from top industry leaders and build lasting confidence with modern, tech-driven education. Working students can thrive in the industries shaping tomorrow with MMDC. Experience it yourself and enroll now!
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