APU UNESCO Chair Academics Empowering Education through Gen-AI Workshops in Sri Lanka

Ts Jonathan Kovilpillai (from the 3rd from the left), Dr Vaikunthan Rajaratnam, and Mr Fahd Ali Raza with representatives from the Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN).

In a bid to spearhead the fusion of technology and education, exemplifying its leadership in innovation both domestically and internationally, scholars from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), supported by the APU UNESCO Chair, recently conducted a series of pioneering Generative AI (Gen-AI) workshops in Sri Lanka.

In partnership with the Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN), these workshops, forming part of the groundbreaking AIDE (AI: Innovative Designs for Education) initiative, took place in the city of Kandy, marking a breakthrough in the integration of Gen-AI into educational frameworks.

From March 11 to 14, 2024, the APU scholars, showcased key figures such as Dr Vaikunthan Rajaratnam, Ts Jonathan Kovilpillai, and Mr Fahd Ali Raza, who conducted the AIDE workshops.

Drawing in over 300 participants from various educational backgrounds including academia, research, and teaching, these sessions underscored the broad interest and potential impact of Gen-AI across diverse educational levels.

Ts Jonathan Kovilpillai conducted AI-LD, AI TEACH & AI-LEAP workshops.

The workshops were meticulously curated to cater to a wide spectrum of educational applications, encompassing AI Academic Writing (AI-AW), AI Learning Design (AI-LD), AI Research (AI-RE), AI in Administrative Efficiency (AI-LEAP), AI for Health Professionals (AI-HP), and AI TEACH for educators.

Each session aimed to empower participants with practical insights and skills in Gen-AI, equipping them to leverage this innovative technology to enhance their teaching, research, and administrative endeavours.

A highlight of the event was the GenAI in Education and Research conference, hosted by LEARN on March 15, drawing an additional 150 participants. The conference fostered enriching discussions and knowledge-sharing on Gen-AI applications in education, emphasising its transformative potential in academic landscapes.

​
Mr Fahd Ali Raza supporting the AIDE workshops.

Reflecting on the success of the AIDE workshops, APU UNESCO Chair on Harnessing Innovations in Technology to Support Teachers & Quality Learning, Professor Dr. Abtar Darshan Singh remarked, “This achievement underscores APU’s expertise and its pivotal role in shaping future educational paradigms."

Furthermore, she highlighted the launch of a “Train the Trainer” programme aimed at further disseminating Gen-AI knowledge across Sri Lanka, indicating APU’s commitment to fostering educational advancement beyond the workshops.

Looking ahead, the APU UNESCO Chair remains dedicated to collaborating with educators, policymakers, and technology experts across Asia and beyond, in unlocking the full potential of Gen-AI to shape the future of education.