The UGM Vocational College (SV UGM) and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMOLEC) have agreed to collaborate.
This collaboration was on developing artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest technologies to enhance open distance learning.
They also highlighted the potential for transformative regional collaboration in education.
This was discussed during the SEAMEO meeting and the international seminar “EdTech Horizons: Exploring the Future of Open Distance Learning with AI and Beyond” on Thursday (Sep. 19) at the Ballroom of the Teaching Industry Learning Centre (TILC) SV UGM.
The seminar brought together experts, educators, education observers, and policymakers from various Southeast Asian countries to discuss the latest developments and challenges in educational technology (EdTech) and Open Distance Learning (ODL).
Dean of SV UGM Professor Agus Maryono warmly welcomed representatives from SEAMEO member countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
Professor Maryono stated that the use of AI is expected to boost open distance learning while highlighting the potential for transformative regional collaboration in education among SEAMEO member countries.
“We, Southeast Asian countries, face the same AI technology as other nations. However, our diverse education systems, cultures, and challenges require collaborative solutions among ASEAN countries. This seminar is hoped to provide us with reflections on the implementation of learning methods and the adoption of AI technology in education, which will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices across the region,” said Professor Maryono.
Dr. Wahyudi, Director of SEAMOLEC, emphasized the necessity of collaboration among ASEAN countries to advance educational technology.
According to him, technology’s emergence also influences how education operates.
“Through this ASEAN regional collaboration, we need to ensure that Open Distance Learning reaches its full potential in Southeast Asia,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wiratni, Secretary of UGM’s Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations (DKRG), stressed the importance of global partnerships in supporting the exploration of AI and the latest technologies for education.
However, the education system provided must remain inclusive and accessible to all.
During the international seminar, SV UGM and SEAMEO signed a memorandum of understanding. In a series of plenary sessions, experts from various Southeast Asian countries shared their experiences implementing AI and other technologies.
Participants from across Southeast Asia explored the opportunities and challenges presented by EdTech, ultimately producing recommendations that policymakers can apply.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif