PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) empower teachers to be future-ready with special training on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) for the classroom. Launched in support of the recent National Teachers’ Month, PLDT and Smart’s ‘AI Basics: A Smart Start Talk’ offers hands-on training on useful AI-powered applications that can help teachers create more engaging classroom experiences for learners.

“PLDT and Smart are advocates of ‘Technology for Good’ in the field of education. Heeding the call of the Department of Education to support teacher training, we leverage our digital innovations to ensure that there will be no teachers left behind as we embrace technology-aided learning,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

The PLDT Group partnered with the DepEd – Division of Muntinlupa to pilot the program. Jon Ervir Cabiling, Solutions Architect Supervisor and Officer-in-Charge of Technolab, PLDT and Smart’s Technology Innovation Center under the Network Strategy and Transformation Office, equipped teachers in elementary, junior and senior high schools with foundational concepts of AI and its core components, AI ethics and responsibilities, and useful real-world applications that will aid their daily tasks.

The highlight of the module was the hands-on activity on AI-powered digital tools that help craft slides for presentations, make audio visual presentations, generate quizzes, and create voice over avatars.

“The training is timely and compelling. It provides an avenue for teachers to learn about ethical standards on the use of technology and how to put it to good use. Teachers are catalysts of change. We also influence the students. We need to remain relevant by keeping ourselves abreast with trends that help us connect with our students,” said Sheryll S. Gimena, Grade 10 teacher at Muntinlupa Business High School.

PLDT and Smart also participated in the free symposium organized by DepEd Manila and Aboitiz Foundation called ‘Empowering Educators: Harnessing AI for Future-Ready Teaching’.

The PLDT Group’s education programs are aligned with the DepEd’s key priorities under Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. The agency’s five-point agenda prioritizes boosting learners’ foundational skills in reading, math and science to improve the Filipino students’ performance in international large-scale assessments, professional development of teachers, employing digital innovations to augment existing teaching strategies, ensuring senior high school graduates are ready for employment, and improving educational infrastructures and resources.

PLDT and Smart continue to collaborate with partners nationwide to promote inclusive and equitable quality education. These initiatives align with the PLDT Group's efforts to help achieve the nation achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 on Quality Education, with a strong emphasis on digital literacy.