Category: Featured

The two-day training workshop “Employing AI in Qualitative Research: A Practical Workshop,” held on November 21-22, 2024, brought fresh ideas on how AI can be utilized as a welcome addition to promoting qualitative research in JBLCF-Bacolod.

Designed to address the challenges qualitative researchers face in today’s data-rich environment, the workshop highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline the analysis of complex textual data, as traditional methods can be time-consuming and subjective. Throughout the workshop, the participants engaged in a comprehensive intellectual journey that included foundational concepts of AI in qualitative research and hands-on sessions that allowed them to apply AI techniques, such as text preprocessing and visualizing thematic structures through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, directly to their work.

Turning Knowledge into Practice

With the new knowledge and skills learned from the training workshop, the JBLCF-Bacolod participants have committed to forming another valuable Core Group in Research specializing in the production of Qualitative Research while utilizing AI-assisted technologies such as Orange Data Mining Software in processing and analyzing data analysis and Mendeley in organizing references. Another workshop intended to strengthen our familiarity with and use of these technologies will be conducted at the start of 2025, inviting more participants from the unit also to join.

After attending a seminar-workshop on “Intensifying Strategies for Global University Rankings & Scopus Publications” last November 12-13, 2024, JBLCF-Bacolod, spearheaded by the Unit RDC, initiated the idea of forming a Core Group of Authors and Writers for Scopus Publication.

The seminar workshop, attended by selected participants from the three academic campuses, provided strategic directions for increasing publications in Scopus-indexed journals. This initiative aims to eventually place JBLFMU in world university rankings. The challenge is to raise the university’s current record of 50+ articles published in Scopus-indexed journals to 100 and beyond.

Translating What We Learned from the Seminar-Workshop

To answer this challenge, JBLCF-Bacolod has identified a core group of researchers composed of faculty researchers and students, particularly those who attended the aforementioned activity, who will be tasked to write various types of publishable materials (research articles, commentaries, essays, etc.) for Scopus publication. A follow-up workshop for the core group will be held at the start of 2025. This team will work under the supervision of the Unit Research Coordinator in collaboration with the Academic Deans of the College of Maritime Education and the College of Business and Education and instructors teaching Research.

Dr. Emeliza Estimo, Research Coordinator of JBLCF-Bacolod, presented her paper at the 24th Annual Conference of the Southeast Asian Association for Institutional Research (SEAAIR 2024), held from November 4 to 7, 2024, at the University of Foreign Language Studies in Danang. The conference focused on “Education Creativity and Sustainability in the Digital Era,” attracting over 100 participants from various countries.

Discussions at the conference revolved around creative and sustainable education, empowering educational technologies, and the role of data-driven decision-making in institutional research. Keynote addresses highlighted schools’ need to prepare for blended learning and the importance of nurturing critical thinkers to tackle sustainability challenges. The integration of AI tools like ChatGPT was debated for its potential to enhance language learning, while recommendations for future research included assessing generative AI’s long-term impacts on student performance. Overall, SEAAIR 2024 served as a vital platform for collaboration among educational professionals committed to innovation in teaching and learning in today’s digital landscape.

The IAMU AGA 2024 conference, held from October 9 to 12, 2024, at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, centered on “Protecting our Mariners, promoting our industry, and providing for the future,” facilitating vital discussions among maritime professionals and students. This event served as a platform for exploring critical issues such as policy, technology, and environmental sustainability, which are essential for shaping the future of the maritime sector.

Among the four representatives of JBLFMU were 2/O Nestor Herpacio Jr., OBTO Supervisor of JBLCF-Bacolod, and D/C Kirby Ofianga, a Misuga cadet who presented their papers at the IAMUC and IAMUS, respectively. The participation of 2/O Nestor Herpacio Jr. and Kirby Ofianga as paper presenters at the IAMU AGA 2024 not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted JBLFMU’s commitment to developing world-class researchers in maritime education. Their contributions among a diverse group of professional and student presenters exemplify the university’s dedication to fostering a new generation of competent maritime leaders who are well-equipped to address industry challenges and promote sustainable practices in maritime operations. This engagement reinforces JBLFMU’s mission to cultivate innovative thinkers capable of driving advancements within the maritime sector.