Google, GOV’T launch Educator Series

Google Philippines has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide free artificial intelligence (AI) training to Filipino teachers.

Launched on 13 October, the Google AI Educator Series offers self-paced online courses lasting 15 to 45 minutes, designed to help educators incorporate AI into classroom instruction, lesson preparation and administrative work.

The program allows participants to earn digital badges while developing practical skills in AI-assisted teaching, research and content creation.

Google Philippines country manager Prep Palacios said the initiative aims to reduce teachers’ workloads without replacing their role in education.

“Learning is central to everything we do at Google, and our commitment to Philippine education has always been a top priority,” Palacios said.

“We know that while AI is transforming both education and educators, technology is a tool that supports the physical and mental capacities of our teachers in their work. It allows them to focus more on the important role of the actual teaching of their classes and subjects and strengthening human connections with their students.”

AI tools for classrooms

The training covers practical applications of Google’s Gemini AI, including generating lesson outlines, drafting communications and developing interactive learning activities.

Educators will also learn to use Gemini’s Guided Learning feature to help students solve problems step by step, while Deep Research can assist in developing research and inquiry skills.

Other modules address prompt engineering, data privacy, academic integrity and responsible AI use.

Google emphasized that teachers must retain oversight of AI-generated materials and exercise professional judgment when using the technology.