Bangalore Archdiocese

Media Release

Karwar,  Dec 16 : The Karwar Diocese Education Society (KDES) hosted a groundbreaking workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to equip educators with the skills and knowledge needed to revolutionise classroom teaching. The workshop, held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at St Joseph PU College, Karwar, brought together principals, institutional heads, technical staff, and teachers from KDES-managed institutions, marking a pivotal step toward integrating AI into education for enhanced teaching practices and improved student outcomes.

The event was organized under the leadership of Rev. Fr Valerian Sequeira, Secretary of KDES and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese, in collaboration with Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore, and AI Lumina, a cutting-edge AI learning platform.

Speaking about the initiative, Fr Valerian said, “The education sector is undergoing a paradigm shift, and we must adapt to equip our students for the future. This workshop is a testimony to our commitment to embracing innovation while staying rooted in our values.”

The sessions were led by two distinguished AI experts, Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes and Mr Leo Victor Zalki. Fr A.I. Fernandes, the Director of Canara Communication Centre in Mangalore, is a Google-Certified AI Coach, a seasoned media professional, and an advocate for integrating technology into education. Mr Zalki, the Director of Oxidane Enviro LLP, Mangalore, is an Oracle and Google-Certified AI Professional with extensive expertise in emerging technologies. Together, they brought their wealth of experience to provide practical insights and tools for educators, helping them unlock new possibilities for teaching through AI.

The workshop, attended by around 80 participants, offered a hands-on experience in integrating AI into educational practices. Topics covered included adaptive learning, ethical AI usage, data-driven teaching strategies, and fostering personalized student engagement.

Fr A.I. Fernandes underscored the importance of embracing technology in education, stating, “AI is not here to replace teachers but to enhance their creativity and efficiency. By leveraging AI, educators can unlock new possibilities and reimagine the way knowledge is delivered.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr Zalki remarked, “Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future. AI tools empower us to create dynamic, student-centric learning environments that inspire creativity and critical thinking.”

Participants enthusiastically explored a range of AI tools designed specifically for teaching. They shared unique experiences and feedback, with ten lucky attendees receiving premium AI tools as giveaways. Additionally, all participants were provided with an AI Toolkit for Education and prompt tools to implement in their classrooms.

Fr Stany Pinto, Principal of St Joseph PU College, Karwar collaborated and arranged all the logistics.

The workshop was lauded as a resounding success, equipping educators with practical insights and resources to integrate AI into their teaching methodologies effectively. This initiative underscores KDES’s commitment to preparing its institutions for a future where technology and values coexist harmoniously to deliver exceptional education.