SLSU Forges International Collaboration to Transform Learning with Educational Games
Sogod, Southern Leyte – September 24, 2025 — Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, successfully conducted the webinar-workshop “Play to Learn: Advancing Research and Innovation in Educational Games”. The activity gathered faculty, researchers, and participants from various institutions to explore how educational games can transform learning and teaching.
The program opened with welcoming and inspiring words from Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, SLSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services. In her message, Dr. Sy shared how her recent encounter with the resource person during ICMAR 2025 at Biliran Province State University sparked the idea for this webinar. “It shows how conferences create not just new knowledge but also opportunities for collaboration,” she said.
SLSU President Dr. Jude A. Duarte followed with a message of support, emphasizing the University’s commitment to promoting innovation in education and strengthening international collaborations.
Adding to the global perspective, a recorded message from Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, RD Leader and Founder of Global Health Focus, was also shared. Dr. Prisno underscored the value of embracing innovative methods in teaching and research, even as he continues to support SLSU in its research agenda.
The highlight of the webinar was the lecture by Dr. Manatee Jitanan, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Education, Kasetsart University, Thailand. Dr. Jitanan is an advocate of research-driven innovations in educational games and technology-enhanced learning.
The session became more meaningful as participants learned that both Dr. Sy and the event host had met Dr. Jitanan during ICMAR 2025 in BiPSU just a week earlier. What began as a casual conversation at the conference quickly turned into a concrete collaboration, proving the power of networking and academic exchange.
Dr. Jitanan’s lecture introduced innovative approaches to designing and developing educational games that make learning engaging and interactive. He also emphasized how research can support the effective integration of games in education, ensuring that fun and learning go hand-in-hand.
As a special treat, participants were also given a virtual tour of Kasetsart University in Thailand, where Dr. Jitanan teaches. The tour provided a glimpse into the facilities and environment of one of Asia’s leading universities, further enriching the cross-cultural and international dimension of the activity.
After the lecture, participants engaged in a writeshop where they collaborated in groups to design their own research-based educational games. The activity challenged participants to think creatively, apply their knowledge, and consider the practical aspects of classroom implementation.
In the afternoon, groups presented their outputs, showcasing educational game concepts that ranged from digital applications to classroom-based interactive activities. These presentations highlighted the participants’ creativity and their commitment to making learning more engaging for students.
The activity concluded with reflections from participants who shared their appreciation for the knowledge gained and the opportunity to collaborate. Certificates of participation were awarded, and Engr. Khorina O. Aguilar, Director for Research and Innovation of SLSU, delivered the closing message. She encouraged participants to continue innovating in their classrooms and research endeavors.
“Play to Learn: Advancing Research and Innovation in Educational Games” was more than just a workshop — it was the product of a meaningful academic connection fostered during ICMAR 2025 and quickly turned into a collaborative project. For SLSU, this event reaffirmed its commitment to championing innovation in education and fostering international partnerships that enrich both faculty and students, while also advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
