ISUFST faculty leads nationwide Education 5.0 training

What began as a conversation on technology and innovation became a deeper reflection on empathy, equity, and the human side of teaching as Dr. Herman M. Lagon of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology served as plenary speaker and lead facilitator in the ongoing seven-leg Education 5.0 teacher training series organized by TechFactors Inc.

The first leg recently gathered private school teachers, school leaders, and technology integrators from the Visayas and Mindanao at Liceo de Cagayan University in Cagayan de Oro City.

Lagon is set to facilitate the second leg in Laguna next week for participants from the National Capital Region and Southern Luzon.

Four other in-person legs will follow in Baguio, Cebu, Negros, and Davao.

One of the final legs will be held online for invited private schools nationwide.

The two-day continuing professional development-accredited training is divided into two major components.

The first day focuses on Lagon’s plenary sessions and facilitated workshops on Education 5.0, empathy and equity in technology-driven learning, transformative pedagogy, artificial intelligence integration, digital citizenship, and human-centered instructional design.

The second day shifts to smaller group workshops and hands-on training on digital applications and educational technology tools.

Education 5.0 highlights the use of advanced technologies while keeping human values, inclusion, and learner well-being at the center of teaching and learning.

A faculty member and guidance counselor at ISUFST, Lagon teaches physics, educational technology, and calculus.

His work largely centers on AI, large language models, PhET simulations, and digital applications for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning.

He has also shared research on educational technology and innovative teaching practices in the Philippine context.

During the sessions, teachers discussed not only innovation but also the importance of empathy, inclusion, and human connection in digital learning.

The workshops covered AI-assisted instruction, multimedia learning, and reflective digital pedagogy.

The program is part of an ongoing memorandum of understanding between ISUFST and TechFactors Inc.

University officials view the engagement as one way ISUFST extends its academic expertise and institutional resources beyond the university through professional development and educational partnerships.

For Lagon, a retired principal of Ateneo de Iloilo, the initiative is not simply about introducing more digital tools into classrooms.

“Technology should help teachers understand learners more deeply, not distance them further,” he emphasized during one of the plenary workshops.

He also expressed gratitude to ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. and the university community for supporting opportunities that allow faculty members to share their expertise beyond the campus.

According to Lagon, ISUFST has helped shape an environment where educators are encouraged not only to teach and conduct research but also to serve wider learning communities.

“I am grateful to Dr. Siason and the university for preparing and allowing me to be of service to different schools and educators across the country,” Lagon shared.

“This is really part of ISUFST’s continuing advocacy for empathy, equity, and human-centered learning in this rapidly changing digital age.”

The nationwide training series is expected to continue in several key areas across the country, bringing together educators navigating the realities of AI, digital learning, and future-ready education while keeping the human dimension of teaching at the center of the conversation. (PAMMCO)