BukSU launches AI tool ‘Cypher Copilot’ to generate educational materials in minutes

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON—Gearing towards a digital era, Bukidnon State University launched the ‘Cypher Copilot’, a revolutionary Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool for a speedy generation of educational materials through an interactive session held at the President’s Office Conference Room on July 26, 2023.

Cypher Copilot is an innovative AI-driven platform designed to empower teachers by generating and curating course content based on selected prompts and personal configurations—all in a matter of minutes. Such was a feat in comparison to the expected two-three months teachers spent for the development of complete courseware.

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) hosted the mini-launching event and welcomed delegates from the education technology industry, which included Mr. David Tapang, Asia-Pacific Regional Director; and Ms. Hazel Dy Guazo, representing Cypher Learning. Accompanying them were delegates from Expedia Solutions Specialist, Inc (EXSSI): Ms. Marianne Felina Sta Ana, Edtech Director; and Ms. May Anabelle dela Cruz, Sr. Account Manager.

Dr. Cecille Marie T. Improgo (CITL Director), Dr. Melluh Jane S. Tiu (Faculty Development and Instructional Support Head), Dr. Maricel R. Inovejas (Instructional Design and Development Head), Mr. John Dale S. Belderol (BukSULearn Administrator) and Mr. Keano Lehryns H. Jimeno (CITL Staff) facilitated the event and rounded out the discussions led by the delegates.

Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, the University President, and Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, the Vice President for Academic Affairs underscored the said event. During a courtesy visit, Mr. David Tapang presented the features of Cypher Copilot to Dr. Mirasol, who subsequently created the first AI-generated course in the university using this cutting-edge technology.

The administrators expressed their appreciation for the efficiency it brought to teaching and its potential to significantly contribute to the university’s SMART goals. They also highlighted the necessity of the human aspect to temper the capabilities of the technology.

Mr. Tapang led an engaging demonstration of Cypher Copilot and have received positive impressions from the interested faculty members and extensive BukSULearn users in the Conference Room.

“…Co-pilot can help educators save time, a precious resource for those who have multiple roles and responsibilities in the institution. Copilot can also support educators in creating engaging and personalized learning experiences for their students contributing to the goal of being a SMART BukSU,” said Mr. Giovanni Sanchez, a faculty member of the Nursing department.

Dr. Rizza Ramos-Consad, International Affairs Director and a faculty member of the Language and Letters department, stated how Copilot has opened a very dynamic teaching method of using AI in teaching.

She said that AI Copilot can now assist a teacher in creating an instructional material for a day or so, but the teachers are still in charge of the content.

“AI does not take this away from the teachers. They customize, improve, and validate the content further. AI is not something to be wary of, it can be used with prudence and regulation,” said Dr. Consad.

Mr. John Kirk Patrick Cabigas, technology integration coordinator and faculty member of the Hospitality department, also said how the AI tool can increase productivity and improve each instructor’s mental and physical well-being as it eliminates lengthy and strenuous processes in the crafting of modules.

Dr. Rozanne Tuesday Flores, Student Mobility Program Chair and IT faculty, further explained how Copilot, together with BukSULearn, sets a new standard for learning management systems through AI-powered personalization, streamlined administration, intelligent content curation, real-time analytics, and collaborative features.

Although initially skeptical of AI application when it comes to tasks requiring human intelligence; specifically, when it comes to validating the originality, reliability and ethicality of AI outputs, Atty. Ana Reoja-Bonita, Law department faculty, was nonetheless amazed at how Copilot was able to create a detailed course with complete modules and assignments in under half an hour.

Mr. Raul Lecaros, IT faculty member, was very appreciative of how organizations like Cypher Learning and EXSSI are adapting and embracing AI through its applications in the academe.

Cypher Learning and EXSSI are not only the university’s partners behind BukSULearn—the university’s learning management system—but also enthusiastic advocates of leveraging AI in education, business, and governance. Along with the province of Bukidnon, they view Bukidnon State University as a potential partner and a success story in the realm of innovative and tech-forward academics. A clear testament to the institution’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, embracing new technologies, and redefining the future of education—Bukidnon State University is at the forefront of this technological revolution, empowering educators and students alike to embark on a dynamic learning journey that embraces the power of artificial intelligence. (John Dale S. Belderol/CITL)