As artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies become increasingly integrated into classrooms, education experts emphasize the need to balance innovation with attention to students as individuals. At the recent RISE Educator Conference 2026, specialists highlighted strategies to ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces, human-centered teaching.
Melissa Tanya Gomes, chief executive officer of Edvolution Enterprise, advocated for strengthening educators’ use of scaffolding—a teaching method where instructors first demonstrate a concept, then collaborate with students, and finally encourage independent application. Gomes suggested that rather than focusing solely on introducing AI programmes, school leaders should consider how technology might support scaffolding across different subjects. She cautioned against using uniform lesson plans for classes with varying proficiency levels, noting that failing to personalise lessons could result in some students falling behind.
The panel discussion, titled “Human-Centred Education in a Technology-Enabled World,” was moderated by Star Media Group deputy executive editor Dr. Christina Chin during the conference held on September 12 at Taylor’s University. The event attracted around 200 educators and featured the RISE Educator Award ceremony.
Dr. Brendan Gomez, founder and chief behavioural consultant of People Transformers, highlighted the importance of cultivating environments where students feel heard and understood. He pointed to rising concerns over student well-being and cautioned that when students do not feel psychologically safe, they tend to rely on their phones for answers rather than engaging confidently in classroom discourse. Gomez urged educators to foster psychologically safe spaces that encourage students to express themselves, helping them develop greater self-assurance.
James Abela, digital learning and entrepreneurship director at Garden International School, stressed that supporting students effectively begins with ensuring teachers are well-supported themselves. He encouraged educators to prioritise their own well-being and personal time, arguing that teachers who maintain a healthy work-life balance are better positioned to create classrooms where students feel valued.
Dr. Christina Chin closed the session by reaffirming that technology, while a valuable tool to amplify teaching, cannot replace the educator’s role at the core of learning. She underscored that the primary responsibility of teachers is to thoughtfully determine the appropriate role of technology in education, ensuring it serves human-centered objectives. “At the very core of effective teaching and learning is the human heart—our educators,” she said, emphasizing that in an increasingly digital landscape, the purpose of education remains fundamentally human.