IRCITE 2026: International Research Conference on Information Technology Education

I. Details of the Event

        On March 19, 2026, I attended the International Research Conference on Information Technology Education (IRCITE 2026) held at Valencia Hall in Bulacan State University, Malolos City, Bulacan. The event was organized by the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators Central Luzon in partnership with Gordon College. The conference followed the theme, “Ideation, Utilization, and Adoption: Strengthening the Research-to-Practice Cycle in Education,” which focused on how ideas and research can be applied in real-world situations.

II. Reflections and Learnings

        The conference helped me understand more about artificial intelligence and how it is shaping the world today. I realized that AI is not just used for automation or making tasks easier. It also plays a big role in how knowledge is created, shared, and used in different fields. The discussions showed how AI is becoming an important part of innovation and how it continues to influence both industries and everyday life.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the importance of using AI responsibly. While AI can help improve productivity and creativity, relying too much on it can be risky. It can affect how we think and reduce our originality. I learned that AI should not replace our thinking. Instead, it should support and enhance our skills and abilities.

III. Practical Applications

        This conference made me think about how I can use AI more effectively in my own studies and projects. I can use it to help with research, generate ideas, and organize my work more efficiently. At the same time, I want to make sure that I still use my own thinking and not depend on AI too much.

        I also realized the importance of balancing technology with personal skills. Moving forward, I plan to use AI as a tool to support my learning while continuing to improve my creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

IV. Positive Feedback

        The event was well-organized and easy to follow. The flow of the program was smooth, and each session transitioned clearly to the next. The speakers explained their topics in a way that was easy to understand, even when discussing more complex ideas about AI.

        I also liked how the organizers included games, raffles, and competitions. These activities made the event more engaging and helped keep the participants active throughout the day. The venue was also comfortable and suitable for the event.

V. Suggestions for Improvement

        The conference was a great experience, but it could be improved by giving more time for discussions or question and answer sessions. This would help participants better understand the topics and clarify any questions they may have.

        Providing copies of the presentations would also be helpful so participants can review the lessons after the event. Adding hands-on activities or live demonstrations would make the experience more interactive and allow participants to apply what they learned.

VI. Closing Thoughts

        Overall, IRCITE 2026 was a meaningful and informative experience. It helped me better understand the role of artificial intelligence in today’s world and reminded me of the importance of using it responsibly. I learned that while technology continues to advance, our ability to think critically and creatively is still very important.

        This experience encouraged me to keep learning and to use AI as a tool to support my growth as an IT student.