The landscape of higher education in the Philippines is evolving rapidly, shaped by advancements in technology and the growing need for innovative learning solutions. In our recent webinar on innovation and technology in higher education in the Philippines, industry experts shared their perspectives on how digital transformation and AI are reshaping learning experiences, faculty engagement and institutional strategies.
This webinar was a joint effort by D2L and C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions, D2L’s trusted channel partner in the Philippines, dedicated to supporting the successful integration of learning technologies in Philippines higher education.
Beyond the Tools: Innovation and Technology in Higher Education
Dr. Elenita Que, associate professor and program coordinator for educational technology at the University of the Philippines Diliman, delivered a compelling session on how higher education institutions can embrace meaningful innovation. It’s about more than just tools; it requires mindset shifts, too.
She emphasized that Generation Alpha learners are digital natives who thrive in interactive, video-rich and collaborative environments. But true innovation, she noted, means rethinking pedagogy through active learning, personalized pathways, and inclusive, tech-enabled access.
Dr. Que introduced speculative design as a future-forward approach to help educators anticipate and ethically navigate emerging technologies like AI.
Above all, she called for contextualized solutions that reflect the Philippines reality—blending online and offline strategies, building community ties and embracing flexible learning models.
Her final message was clear: Don’t be afraid to experiment. As technology continues to reshape higher education, educators must stay ahead, support one another and work collectively to lead educational innovation that empowers the next generation of learners.
The Promise and Reality of AI in Education: Moving Beyond the Hype
Mr. Rogelio Jr. Dela Cruz, an educational technology specialist and part-time faculty member at La Salle University Dasmariñas, delivered a grounded and thought-provoking talk on the real impact of AI in Philippines education.
While acknowledging the promise of AI-powered classrooms, Mr. Dela Cruz urged educators to move beyond the hype and focus on how AI can truly address real challenges in education, like access, equity and lifelong learning. Drawing on over two decades of experience in edtech implementation, he highlighted the disconnect between futuristic AI solutions and the conservative systems of many schools that resist structural change.
Instead of seeing AI as a magic fix, he encouraged a shift toward using it to support self-directed learning, emphasizing that motivation driven by both personal value and confidence is key. While AI can personalize learning paths, only teachers can inspire and empower students to see the value of learning.
“The future of education,” he argued, “lies in this human-AI partnership, where technology enables autonomy and teachers ignite passion.”
Seeing AI in Action: How D2L Brightspace Empowers Educators and Learners
The final speaker of the session was Mr. Moses Lim, manager of Solutions Engineering for APAC at D2L.
As Mr. Lim shared, D2L has been embedding AI into its learning platform, Brightspace, for over a decade. From predictive learning models and auto-captioning to a new generation of AI-powered tools, these innovations are designed not to replace educators, but to empower them. At the heart of D2L’s AI approach is a strong commitment to responsible use, ensuring educators remain in control as the final decision-makers.
Mr. Lim demonstrated how tools like H5P Smart Import make it easier to create engaging, interactive content using just a document, video link or even a YouTube video. The AI generates quizzes, branching scenarios and even full interactive books, helping instructors save time while enhancing student engagement.
Next, he introduced Brightspace Lumi Pro, a suite of AI tools that streamline content creation, assessment, and personalized learning. Educators can:
- convert Word and PDF files into mobile-friendly, structured learning units.
- auto-generate learning summaries and assessment questions—mapped to specific Bloom’s Taxonomy levels
- offer personalized remediation through Lumi Study Support, which recommends content based on quiz performance.
- generate ideas for assignments and discussions using Lumi Idea.
Mr. Lim ended with a strong message: AI isn’t replacing teachers. It empowers them to focus on what they do best—teaching, mentoring and inspiring students.
Want to get hands-on experience in accelerating instructor workflows with Brightspace’s AI-powered tools? Join our immersive workshop and see how AI can transform teaching and learning. Request a demo.