As an educator deeply passionate about leveraging technology to transform learning, I see artificial intelligence (AI) as both an incredible opportunity and a profound challenge for education. AI’s potential to shape the way we teach and learn is undeniable, but we must approach it thoughtfully, ensuring it empowers teachers and students while upholding the human values at the core of education.  

To frame this discussion, I find it helpful to explore three interconnected routes through which AI can impact education:  

1. Using AI to address some of the biggest challenges in education.  

2. Preparing learners for an AI-driven world and transforming education to focus on human intelligence

3. Educating people about AI so they can use it safely and effectively.  

These routes are not isolated; they feed into one another, creating a dynamic and holistic vision for the future of education.  

1. Using AI to Address Big Educational Challenges

AI offers immense possibilities for tackling long-standing challenges in education. With GabAI, the AI teaching assistant I helped develop with my team at Tagpros Education, we’ve created a tool that supports Filipino educators by automating routine tasks, generating personalized assessments, and providing valuable teaching resources. GabAI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about giving teachers more time and space to focus on what truly matters: building relationships with students and creating meaningful learning experiences.  

However, we must be critical and deliberate in how we implement AI. While GabAI supports differentiated instruction and helps teachers better address diverse student needs, we must ask: Are we ensuring equitable access to such tools, especially in under-resourced communities? I have always believed that technology should bridge gaps, not widen them. Through platforms like empowerED, I continue to advocate for equitable access to digital tools that empower all educators, regardless of their school’s context or resources.  For this, we need the help of education organizations, such as DepEd to bring tools like GabAI to their teachers.

2. Transforming Education to Focus on Human Intelligence

In an AI-driven world, what sets us apart as humans is our creativity, empathy, ethical judgment, and ability to innovate. Education must evolve to emphasize these uniquely human attributes. This means moving away from traditional models centered on rote memorization and embracing approaches that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.  

GabAI reflects this philosophy. By streamlining routine tasks, it allows teachers to dedicate more time to designing activities that nurture students’ creativity and adaptability. My work on blended learning, STEAM, and project-based approaches aligns with this vision. These methods encourage students to engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary challenges that require them to think critically and innovate—skills that are irreplaceable in an AI-powered world.  

3. Educating People About AI 

Incorporating AI into classrooms isn’t just about using the tools—it’s also about understanding them. Educators and students must grasp how AI works, its potential biases, and its ethical implications. With GabAI, we’ve taken a step in this direction by embedding features that educate users about responsible AI use. We also provide webinars and training for educators that focus on the ethical use of GabAI so that they create learning resources free from bias and grounded in ethical principles.  

Beyond GabAI, I’ve designed professional development sessions that help educators teach AI literacy to their students. These workshops are not just technical—they foster critical thinking about the societal impacts of AI. It is crucial for the next generation to move beyond being passive users of AI; they need to become active, ethical participants in shaping its future.  

The Interconnection of These Routes  

These three routes—using AI effectively, educating about AI, and transforming education—are deeply interconnected. They are not isolated; they feed into and amplify each other. For example, by using GabAI in the classroom, educators naturally gain insights into AI’s potential and limitations, sparking curiosity and understanding among their students. As more people become AI-literate, they will see the necessity of reimagining education to prioritize human intelligence.  

As I reflect on the path forward, I am filled with both cautious skepticism and hope. AI is not the answer to all our educational challenges, but it is a tool that, if used thoughtfully, can amplify the very best of what educators already do. The future of education lies not in the technology itself but in how we use it to empower learners, nurture their humanity, and ensure that no one is left behind. In the end, I hope that we can shape an AI-powered future that remains grounded in the enduring human values of collaboration, creativity, and compassion.