AI Workshop Equips Educators for the Future

Udupi, November 14, 2024: The Catholic Educational Society of Udupi Diocese (CESU) held a one-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on November 11 at the Anugraha Pastoral Centre in Udupi to prepare educators for the rapidly advancing digital landscape in education. Led by Fr. Vincent Crasta, Secretary of CESU and Director of Anugraha Pastoral Centre, in partnership with Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore and powered by Ailumina - AI Learning Platform, the event gathered educational leaders to explore AI’s transformative potential for teaching and learning practices.

The workshop, which attracted principals, headmasters and technical staff from CESU-managed schools as well as pastoral staff including priests and nuns, aimed to equip participants with practical AI skills for the classroom while upholding ethical standards in education. Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of the Diocese and Vice President of CESU, served as the Chief Guest, emphasizing AI’s role in making education more inclusive. “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to make education more inclusive and impactful. Through adaptive learning, it enables personalized instruction, ensuring that every student’s unique needs are met effectively,” he said.

The sessions were led by Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes, a Google-certified AI Coach and Director of Canara Communication Centre and Mr. Leo Victor Zalki, Director of Oxidane Enviro LLP and an Oracle and Google-certified AI professional. They introduced participants to AI tools and applications that promote interactive, data-driven learning. Topics covered included adaptive learning, ethical AI in education and enhancing classroom engagement through AI.

"Education today demands innovation. AI empowers teachers to tailor learning experiences, making education more dynamic and relevant to individual student needs," noted Fr. Fernandes. Mr. Zalki added, “Artificial Intelligence does not replace teachers. Instead, it complements their creativity and expertise, enabling them to achieve greater impact in their teaching.”

Reflecting on the workshop, Mr. Jayashankara K., Principal of St Mary’s PU College, Shirva, expressed newfound confidence in AI’s role in education, stating, “Before attending this workshop, I thought AI was beyond my understanding. However, after participating today, I feel confident to explore the vast world of AI. It actually enhances our creativity when applied ethically.” Mrs. Joyce Vandana, a headmistress from a Kannada medium school, echoed this sentiment, adding, “AI opens new avenues for both educators and students.”

The workshop concluded with participants gaining hands-on experience and strategies for implementing AI technologies in their schools.

By Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes