Each activity will feel like “music practice” leading to a final performance (September/ October REX Schoology Conference).

2. Lyrics & Notes: My Key EDGE Conference Insights

3. Big Nashville Sound: Big Ideas for My School

4. Solo Act: My Action Plan

5. Our Billboard Hit: Headlines for October

Encourage images/screenshots from sessions.

Discuss: “Which ideas are chart-toppers for Philippine schools?”

Post Top 3 Big Ideas as a “setlist” for schools.

Example:

• Track 1: AI as a Teaching Partner

• Track 2: Student-Centered Jam Sessions (Collab Learning)

• Track 3: Sustainable EdTech Rhythms

Use SMART format:

• Action

• When

• Expected Impact

You can call me "The Professor of Prose and Punctuation" because my teaching style is like a meticulously crafted symphony of words – precise, profound, and always aiming for perfect harmony. Think less "Crazy Train" and more of a deeply analytical Bob Dylan lyric, or the intricate storytelling of Taylor Swift's "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)." I teach at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong as a Journalism Teacher.

It's a pleasure to meet y'all!

As The Calling once sang, "If I could, then I would..."—and as a teacher, I can, and I do, every single day.

1. Personalized Learning as the New Anthem: The emphasis on tailoring education to individual student needs was music to my ears. In my journalism classroom at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, I see firsthand how students have diverse learning styles and paces. The idea of leveraging technology and varied pedagogical approaches to create a truly personalized learning journey just makes sense. It's about composing a unique educational experience for each student.

2. AI as the Unsung Hero in Education: Initially, AI in education felt like a discordant note for some, but EDGE 2025 highlighted its potential as a powerful tool. From automating grading (freeing up my time to work with students on their writing) to providing personalized feedback and resources, AI can be the supportive backup musician that elevates everyone's performance. It's not about replacing the human element but amplifying it.

3. Cultivating Digital Citizenship: Our Shared Melody: With the increasing integration of technology, the focus on responsible digital citizenship was a harmonious refrain. Teaching journalism inherently involves navigating the digital landscape ethically and effectively. The conference underscored the importance of equipping students with the skills to be critical consumers and responsible creators of online content. This is a melody we all need to sing in tune to ensure a positive and informed future.

2 The use of Al makes learning more effective and teaching more efficient. At first, I was hesitant to use Al but EDGE 2025 sessions gave us evidences that Al is a helpful tool. AI allows teachers to personalize lessons and assessments in an easier manner. It saves us time and at the same time, we can still produce quality materials. For students, learning becomes more effective. They learn, engage, monitor their own grades and be more independent learners.

3 The future has a lot to offer. Everything keeps on advancing and all of us, we are on our way to the future and we should start embracing these changes and be more receptive of what the future will offer. Let me quote a statement from one of the resource speakers, "The first attempt is always the best teacher." I realize that we should be open to changes, be more open minded especially with the use of technology in education.

Just like my favorite song “You’ll Be in My Heart,” I believe education isn’t just about learning—it’s about connection, care, and believing in every child, ensuring that he or she becomes the best version of himself or herself. Yeah, I am here to make sure our schools keep growing with purpose and heart.

But if I were strummin’ tunes down in Nashville? You’d know me as “The Engager” — always keepin’ the crowd (or my class) on their toes!

My teaching style? Think “Happy” by Pharrell Williams meets “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus — upbeat, meaningful, and all about the journey. Whether it’s a Monday morning or final exam season, I believe learning should always have rhythm, energy, and a bit of fun.

Such a wonderful experience finding our Pinoy Rex Bookstore Delegation in the midst of a larger group of Power School members fr9m other countries. It was easy to mingle ang have new acquiantances. Thanks so much Rex Education for trusting in our participation at a global scale.!

This SY, our school started implenting E-Class Monday. Thus, it is important to explore what technology offers us. One thing that I’d like to apply back home and share with my colleagues is the positivity and beauty of using AI while taking it as a responsibility. In the next 60 days, I’d like to share with our teachers what PowerBuddy is - how it will help them, and not replace them; and how it will support the students, and not spoonfeed everything to them. Through this program, teachers will be more receptive with the integration of technology in their classes and leverage the use of Schoology.

1. AI is reshaping teaching and learning – Automated grading, personalized learning systems, and virtual tutors are shifting how education is delivered.

2. Educational technologies evolve quickly – Platforms and tools frequently update, requiring teachers and students to continuously learn and integrate new capabilities into lessons and study habits.

3. AI-driven learning demands a growth mindset – Students and teachers must embrace continuous learning, exploring how AI can enhance problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

Track 2 Student -Centered Jam Sessions AI contributes to more interactive and engaging experiences through gamified learning -a way to create engaging and learner-centered environment.

Before attending the EDGE 2025 Conference in Nashville, I had reservations about integrating AI into classroom learning. I was concerned it might promote student laziness and over-reliance on technology. However, my perspective shifted significantly after seeing how PowerBuddy works. By using the Socratic method, it doesn’t spoon-feed answers but instead guides students to think critically and independently.

What excited me even more is the potential of PowerBuddy to support teachers—particularly in creating assessment tasks, which often take up significant time that could be spent on other essential responsibilities. My next step is to contribute to crafting an institutional policy that ensures ethical AI use while promoting authentic learning experiences.

2. Personalized Learning – Contextualizing Content for the Nursing Program

As someone from the College Department, our approach to using Schoology and PowerBuddy is naturally different from those in basic education. One of the most exciting takeaways was learning how customizable AI can be—especially in the context of Nursing education.

By uploading our nursing textbooks and materials, PowerBuddy can be trained to understand our program’s unique context. This allows us to create highly contextualized assessments that cater to individual student needs—bringing us one step closer to true personalized education.

3. Strengthening Parent Engagement – Even at the College Level

Parental involvement is often overlooked in college, with the assumption that students should be fully independent. However, my belief has always been that parents remain key partners in a student’s academic journey—especially when challenges arise.

At the conference, I was encouraged to see how AI tools can help bridge the gap between school and home. Certain features now enable parents to stay more informed and involved in their children’s performance. This collaboration can be especially impactful for students who are struggling, allowing for earlier interventions and stronger support systems.

Pwedeng mahalin ang AI pero bantayan ang puso at baka magkamali.

Track 2 - (Student-Centered Learning) Space Jam

To be student-centered, we need to know their context and needs, data helps here!

Track 3 - 9 to 5 ni Mareng Dolly

Learning can go beyond 9 to 5 or in the Philippines 7:30-4:00 PM! We can maximize Schoology LMS to support all kinds of learning and different modalities!

I’ll begin drafting an AI Use Policy tailored for the College Department of Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., which includes guidelines for ethical AI integration in both teaching and assessment practices, aligned with our institution’s goals.

When:

Within the next 60 days — I will start immediately, with a first draft ready for initial review by the end of September 2025.

Expected Impact:

This will lay the foundation for responsible AI adoption, particularly in preparation for tools like PowerBuddy. It ensures that once AI becomes available, both faculty and students will have a clear framework that promotes authentic learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity, while reducing uncertainty and misuse.

Lead Guitarist: Lincoln R. Ariz

Vocalist: Marianne Therese Siapo

Drummer: Jan Michael Santos

Chart-Toppers for Philippine Schools: The EDGE 2025 Remix

Track 1: Personalized Learning: The 'Bayanihan' Approach to Education

Why it hits the right note: In the Philippines, where class sizes can be massive and resources often stretched thin, personalized learning is not just a luxury, it is a necessity. It is about leveraging technology to adapt to each student's unique needs, much like the "Bayanihan" spirit where communities come together to help each other. Whether it's through adaptive learning platforms or AI-powered tutors, this approach ensures no student gets left behind in the crowd. It also helps address the learning gaps exposed by recent global assessments like PISA and SEA-PLM. It allows us to truly cater to diverse learning styles and paces, making education more equitable and effective across the archipelago.

Track 2: Digital Fluency & Ethical Echoes: Crafting Responsible Online Citizens

Why it hits the right note: As a Journalism Teacher, this is my anthem. The digital world is expanding rapidly in the Philippines and in the world, with increasing internet access, especially mobile. Our students are growing up in this landscape, and it is imperative that they are not just consumers, but responsible and critical creators. This track emphasizes comprehensive digital literacy – not just knowing how to use tools, but understanding online etiquette, discerning fake news, protecting privacy, and engaging in constructive civic discourse. It is about empowering students to navigate the digital realm safely and ethically, fostering critical thinking that extends beyond the classroom walls and into their online lives.

Track 3: Hybrid Harmony: Blending the Best of Both Worlds

• Why it hits the right note: The pandemic undeniably pushed Philippine education into hybrid models, but EDGE 2025 showed us how to perfect this "harmony." It is not just a fallback for emergencies, but a strategic blend of in-person interaction and online flexibility. For a country with geographical challenges and diverse access to resources, hybrid learning can bridge gaps, offer continued access to learning materials, and allow for flexible pacing. It can also integrate global resources while retaining the invaluable face-to-face interaction that fosters community and hands-on learning, especially in subjects like journalism, where fieldwork and collaborative projects are key. It is about building resilient and adaptable learning environments for the future.

1. The field of education is dynamic and constantly evolving. This experience highlighted the critical need for educators and administrators to embrace continuous professional development, ensuring that we are always improving to foster better learning outcomes for our learners.

2. Embrace AI education for both educators and learners focusing its role as a tool to enhance learning and not to replace human centered learning and address existing educational challenges.

Good day, y'all! 👋

I am Carmen Sumo, a high school math teacher and principal in St. Paul College Pasig, Inc.

I've been teaching in SPCP for 26 years already - 26 years as a math teacher (and counting!), 14 years as the Subject Team Leader for Math, and now on my 3rd year as High School Principal.

If I were to use a song to describe my journey as an educator, for the past 26 years, I would pick "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus (we are in Nashville anyways😁).

Why the climb?

Because I think the song mirrors my journey as a passionate, resilient, and commited educator and leader.

The song speaks about perseverance, pushing forward, and growth mindset despite obstacles and challenges - something that I do in my daily grind as an educator and a leader.

The song also reminds me to focus on the journey. It emphasizes that success is not about titles or postions or being on top, but it is about growing and learning through the process. Lyrics like "it's not about how fast I get there. It's not about what's waiting on the other side, IT'S THE CLIMB!"

The song also beautifully talks about resilience and strength - something that echo my unwavering commitment, dedication, and strength in the face of adversity and fast paced changes in the education landscape.

Revolutionizing Education entails improvement of student engagement and enhancement of learning outcomes. As we walk to this revolution, we reimagine the traditional classrooms we have. We go out of its four walls - go virtual, be creative, and have fun!

Track 2: Disclaimer: AI is not a Replacement

Many educators are hesitant to use AI thinking it will be a replacement of our tasks. But AI is not a replacement but an assistance that will help teachers deliver quality education.

Track 3: Connect and Collabarate, Para sa Bata

Teachers, let’s keep on learning and collaborating for the better future of every child.

^{The integration of AI in Schoology—particularly through PowerBuddy—supports authentic learning by fostering students’ critical thinking skills. Rather than simply giving answers, the AI encourages inquiry and reflection, helping students become more independent and responsible learners, especially at the foundational level.}

^{Track 2: Student-Centered Jam}

^{PowerBuddy enables contextualized learning, allowing educators to tailor content based on individual student needs and identified learning gaps. It also reinforces the importance of a collaborative learning environment, particularly by promoting stronger partnerships between teachers and parents, which is crucial in supporting student growth.}

^{Track 3: Sustainable EdTech}

^{Our use of Schoology extends far beyond its role as a learning management system—it has become a critical infrastructure in maintaining continuity during disruptions. Whether due to emergencies or other unforeseen events, Schoology ensures that learning remains uninterrupted and accessible, making our approach to education more sustainable and resilient.}

           * Know your SPARK and let it SHINE your way towards a bigger purpose

What motivates me everyday are the people I serve--my 20 school heads, my more than 300 teachers and staff, the more than 4000 students and all our stakeholders.  I want them to feel valued and served and as such I will keep on working towards improvement of teaching and learning.

            * If people cannot navigate technology, we cannot make progress.

     One of the biggest challenges our system faces, being mission schools is the continuous improvement and integration of technology.

    Our steps may be slow, but our intention is unwavering. We’re committed to growth—and that commitment is already taking shape. We’ve begun upgrading our facilities, equipping our teachers with the right training, and weaving technology into our teaching practices.  We have Schoology and I know this first step will bring us to greater heights.  It is a baby step, but I am certain, we will learn to walk and run faster if it properly navigated.

   The journey is still long, but our dedication to delivering quality education remains firm. With every step, we move closer to a future where learning is more dynamic, inclusive, and empowered by innovation.

             *Our role is to prepare student for success, we then should lead with purpose for impact

     The role of every teacher, every school is to ensure the success of every learner.  And as such, every means to improve learning and student performance must be undertaken because no matter how impressive our programs or facilities may be, if our students are not truly learning, not growing, and not improving—then all our efforts fall short.

     Student success is our measure. And so, every possible effort to enhance learning and performance must be pursued—because our mission is not just to teach, but to transform.

My Solo Gig: Becoming a Digital Detective

If I had a solo gig back home, the one big thing I would bring to my students is how to be awesome Digital Detectives.

What I will do (Action):

I am going to create a super fun and interactive way for my journalism students at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong to become Digital Detectives. We will learn how to spot tricky information online, like fake news or clickbait. We will play games and do activities to help us think carefully about what we see and read on the internet. Since the offering of the Journalism Classes is Lourdes School of Mandaluyong’s academic niche, this is a perfect fit.

When will I do it (When):

I will start getting everything ready right away, and by August 30, 2025, my new detective lessons will be finished. We will start using them in our journalism classes by September 25, 2025.

What will happen (Expected Impact):

By the middle of September, I want at least 75% of my journalism students to be able to:

• Find and explain three different kinds of online misinformation, like fake news, tricky ads, or pictures that have been changed.

• Use at least two cool tricks to check if online information is true, like looking up other sources or doing a reverse image search.

• Write or talk about why it is important to be a good digital citizen and not spread wrong information.

This learning hits the right note for me because, as a Journalism Teacher, equipping my students to navigate the complex digital information landscape is paramount. The "Digital Fluency & Ethical Echoes" insight from EDGE 2025 really solidified that this is not just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental skill. Given the pervasive nature of social media and the rapid spread of information and misinformation in the Philippines, fostering truly critical and ethical digital citizens is vital for our students and for society at large. This module will give them practical tools and a deeper understanding of their responsibilities, turning passive online users into active, discerning information gatekeepers.

Coordinate with Rex Education as to the conduct of seminar on the ethical use of AI among teachers

Craft AI policies with the help of an EdTech expert like Sir Jim Tuscano...woot woot!

Communicate to stakeholders on the crafted AI policies

When: the soonest time possible

Expected Impact:  A well-crafted AI Policies and well-informed stakeholders will ensure creative, innovative and forward-thinking AI use in any academic activities

From the different sessions attended, I am now more convinced that AI should be seen as a tool, not a rival. It’s about augmentation, not substitution. When used thoughtfully, AI can be of great help to educators. leaders, students, parents - everyone in the educational ecosystem. AI can undeniably streamline processes, enhance creativity, and open new avenues for collaboration - between human and AI even! . The real value lies in how humans choose to integrate it—recognizing and capitalizomg on its strengths while preserving the irreplaceable human touch in the teaching and learning processes, decision-making, empathy, and leadership.

2. EMBRACE CHANGES IN THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE

The the education landscape is evolving fast, driven by technology, shifting learner needs, and global trends. Rather than resisting these shifts and changes, I've learned from the EDGE conference the importance of adaptability. Whether it's rethinking traditional models, integrating new platforms introduced by PowerSchool, or exploring alternative learning pathways, the key is to remain open and agile. Change isn’t just inevitable—it’s an opportunity to reimagine what learning can look like, and how teaching can be done in the age of AI.

3. BROADEN your VIEW. It is ALWAYS GOOD to LEARN from OTHERS!

One of the most powerful insights was the value of stepping outside familiar circles. Listening to the sharings of the different educators and leaders from different parts of the globe—can spark innovation and challenge assumptions. Growth often happens at the intersections, where ideas collide and perspectives shift. The conference served as a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey, and the best insights often come from unexpected places and people.

WHEN: After reviewing and synthesizing materials from all EDGE 2025 sessions.

EXPECTED IMPACT: Increase teacher engagement with Schoology and promote the ethical, effective use of AI in education.

I will also encourage our Schoology champions to share best practices on using Schoology and other AI tools. We could design mini-EDGE sharing sessions during monthly faculty meetings, incorporating sharing, coaching, and walkthroughs. These sessions, I believe, will help build teachers’ confidence and competence in using Schoology and AI while fostering a culture of exploration and experimentation among faculty members.

Additionally, I will collaborate with our partner, Rex Education, to secure support for further faculty training. This partnership can help us integrate Schoology, AI, and other immersive technologies more effectively, ensuring our teaching and learning processes become more adaptive to the changing needs of students and educators.

From the insights I’ve gained, I commit to actively embracing and integrating Schoology, Power Buddy, AI, and emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning. I recognize the transformative potential of these tools in preparing both educators and students for a future shaped by innovation.