Philippine Universities Urged to Prioritize AI Literacy and Lifelong Learning for Future Workforce

• Addressing Skills Mismatch: Experts highlight the need for Philippine universities to offer lifelong learning to close global workforce gaps and ensure students remain competitive.
• Preparing for AI’s Impact: With over 55% of jobs set to be affected by AI, top Philippine universities like Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle, and UST are encouraged to equip students with AI literacy and critical thinking skills.
• Edtech Advancements in Learning: Universities such as CIIT and Holy Angel are using platforms like Canvas LMS to drive personalized, data-driven educational strategies that boost student outcomes.

Lifelong Learning: A Must for the Future

The future of work is rapidly evolving, and it’s clear that Philippine universities need to step up and focus on lifelong learning. This message resonated strongly at CanvasCon Philippines 2024, an event organized by Instructure, the company behind Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Industry leaders gathered to emphasize the importance of equipping students and workers with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Martin Bean CBE, a professor at the University of New South Wales and CEO of The Bean Centre, delivered an insightful keynote, pointing out the challenges that come with global skills mismatches. Bean warned that many job roles are becoming obsolete due to technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

“The value of traditional university degrees is being questioned as technological innovation outpaces the relevance of existing qualifications,” said Bean. He encouraged Philippine universities to embrace lifelong learning as the key to ensuring that individuals stay employable and competitive.

The Impact of AI on Job Markets

It’s no secret that AI is set to disrupt the global workforce, and the Philippines is no exception.

According to Bean, over 55% of jobs are expected to be impacted by AI in the coming years. While this might sound alarming, Bean emphasized that enduring human capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence will remain in high demand.

As the workforce shifts, it’s crucial that universities start preparing students for roles that require these human-centric skills. Lifelong learning is the solution that will enable workers to constantly adapt, upskill, and stay ahead in this ever-changing job market.

AI Literacy: A Key to Success

During the conference, Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, addressed the growing role of generative AI in education. Lufkin shared that AI literacy should become a core part of university curricula, especially as more industries rely on technology-driven solutions.

“The more we help overcome the fear of AI, the more empowered we become to embrace these tools,” Lufkin said. He pointed out that learning how to evaluate and use AI tools appropriately is a critical skill for students in today’s digital world.

Citing data from the Digital Education Council Global AI Student Survey 2024, Lufkin revealed that 58% of students feel underprepared when it comes to AI knowledge. Furthermore, 72% of students agree that universities should offer more AI-related courses. These numbers reflect the increasing demand for AI literacy in the education sector.

Local Universities Take the Lead

Several top universities in the Philippines, including Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, and De La Salle University, showcased their use of Canvas LMS to improve their faculty development programs. The ability to customize learning strategies using data-driven insights has allowed these institutions to better serve their students and address their diverse needs.

The conference also spotlighted how local schools like CIIT College of Arts and Technology and Holy Angel University are using Canvas LMS to empower educators and learners alike. Through Canvas, faculty can easily track student progress and adjust teaching methods to ensure optimal learning outcomes.

Edtech as a Game Changer

To wrap up the conference, Harrison Kelly, Managing Director for APAC at Instructure, discussed the vital role edtech plays in shaping the future of education. 

According to Kelly, edtech solutions like Canvas LMS provide educators with the tools they need to navigate today’s fast-evolving educational landscape. By leveraging data and analytics, universities can offer more personalized and effective learning experiences.

As the world continues to change, the need for lifelong learning and AI literacy becomes more urgent. With the right edtech solutions and a commitment to evolving their curricula, Philippine universities have the power to equip students with the skills needed for a future that’s already here.

About Instructure

Instructure (NYSE: INST) is a global leader in education technology, known for powering the Canvas Learning Management System. Their innovative solutions help learners and educators alike achieve their full potential, fostering a culture of learning that lasts a lifetime.