Mapúa University is setting the standard in Philippine higher education with its pioneering initiative, INSPIRE—the Innovational Network for Supporting Professional Integration of AI in Education. Spearheaded by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) as part of the University’s broader AI Strategy Roadmap, the INSPIRE project signals a deep institutional commitment to meaningful and ethical AI integration across disciplines.

In August 2024, President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo issued a bold call for the creation of faculty-driven Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on AI innovation. “We are already in the age of AI, and education must lead—not follow—in shaping how this technology is used for human growth,” he said. This vision catalyzed the formation of ten PLCs under INSPIRE Cohort 1, each composed of educators from the University’s various schools collaborating to address real teaching and learning challenges through AI.

While the technologies varied—from generative AI tools to predictive analytics—the project emphasized a core principle: pedagogical value must guide the use of technology. “INSPIRE is less about the AI tools themselves,” explained Project Leader Dr. Edward Jay Quinto, “and more about the authentic teaching and learning problems our faculty are solving together through AI.”

The results have been both substantive and far-reaching. Projects tackled issues such as formative assessment, academic integrity, student engagement, and board exam readiness. Across the University, faculty members reported greater confidence, deeper ethical awareness, and renewed enthusiasm for classroom innovation.

These outcomes were brought to light during the 1st INSPIRE Forum, held on May 28, 2025, where over 200 faculty members convened to present and witness the results of their PLC projects. The forum served as both a culmination and a launchpad, showcasing how community-based faculty innovation can scale institutional transformation.

Looking forward, INSPIRE is set to expand its reach through strategic support and continuous development. The initiative’s success so far has relied heavily on Mapúa’s investment in capacity building and its culture of academic excellence. With plans for broader rollout and deeper collaboration, the University reaffirms that AI acculturation must be both inclusive and intentional.

As Dr. Maestrecampo affirmed, “INSPIRE reminds us that innovation starts with people. AI will not replace educators—but educators who use AI wisely will shape the future of education.”

With INSPIRE, Mapúa University emerges not only as a local leader in faculty innovation, but also as a key player in advancing AI-driven transformation across the higher education landscape.

Source: https://www.mapua.edu.ph/news/mapua-leads-ai-integration-in-education-through-inspire