On November 18, 2025, a significant gathering took place at the Ateneo Institute for the Science and Art of Learning and Teaching (Ateneo SALT) in collaboration with the Research Institute for Futures of Education (Ateneo RIFE). The event, titled Humans in the Loop: Conversations About Gen AI in Education, brought together educators and students to engage in meaningful discussions surrounding the role of Generative AI (GenAI) in educational settings.
The initiative recognized that both teachers and students possess distinct and valuable insights regarding their interactions with GenAI. The primary goal of the event was to foster a sense of community and to cultivate a shared understanding of how to engage effectively with this transformative technology.
To create an interactive atmosphere, Ateneo SALT and Ateneo RIFE employed gamification techniques, utilizing prompts and reaction cards to facilitate open dialogue. Participants were invited to physically position themselves on an opinion spectrum, expressing their viewpoints on various topics related to Generative AI. Following this, they used reaction cards to elaborate on their thoughts, challenge perspectives, or share their emotional responses.
Each round ended with groups reflecting on their discussions, allowing participants to synthesize shared insights and articulate actionable steps moving forward. This reflective practice was particularly vital, as it encouraged participants to consider how they might integrate AI into their learning and teaching methodologies.
Students and teachers from the five Loyola Schools entered the conversation with a diverse array of experiences and expectations regarding GenAI. As discussions progressed, common themes began to emerge. Many participants expressed a desire for clearer guidance on the appropriate contexts for using AI tools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining genuine effort and fostering critical thinking in the learning process. Others noted the potential for AI to enhance understanding when utilized thoughtfully.
This collaborative exploration revealed a collective ambition amongst both students and educators to make sense of Generative AI together. Despite varying viewpoints, all attendees shared a commitment to upholding the value of the human voice and effort in education. By exchanging ideas, participants found themselves more grounded as they navigate the evolving landscape of educational technology.
For those inspired by the event and seeking to hold similar discussions, materials for facilitating these conversations are available for borrowing from the GBSEALD program at Ateneo. Interested individuals can reach out via email at [email protected].
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