As someone passionate about the intersection of education, technology, and empowerment, I recently had the privilege of speaking with Ma’am Maria Concepcion Amboy Mirabueno, or Ma’am Maricon, as she is fondly called. A seasoned educator with 15 years of experience in computer engineering education, Ma’am Maricon is not only the Program Chair of the Computer Engineering Department at the University of Caloocan City but also a beauty queen, holding the title of Lady of the Earth International 2024. Her unique blend of technical expertise, advocacy for sustainability, and passion for teaching made our conversation both enlightening and inspiring.
Our discussion touched on her journey as an educator, the evolving landscape of engineering education, the role of technology in shaping the future, and her advocacy for women’s empowerment. Here, I’ll share the key takeaways from our conversation and the invaluable lessons I learned from this remarkable individual.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
One of the first things that struck me about Ma’am Maricon was her unwavering passion for education and her dedication to her students. She shared how she started as one of the pioneering faculty members of the computer engineering program at her university. Over the years, she has witnessed the evolution of engineering education, from the pre-K-12 era to the current outcome-based education (OBE) model mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Her journey into engineering was not without challenges. Coming from a family of engineers, she initially pursued civil engineering but later shifted to computer engineering, a field she felt more aligned with her interests. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she had to navigate unique challenges, from being one of only three women in her class to learning how to collaborate effectively with her male peers. These experiences shaped her resilience and adaptability, qualities she now instills in her students.
The Evolution of Engineering Education
Ma’am Maricon emphasized how engineering education has changed significantly over the years. She noted that classrooms are now more diverse, with a growing number of women pursuing engineering degrees. This shift, she believes, is a positive step toward breaking gender stereotypes in the field.
Another major change is the integration of technology into education. During her college days, access to computers and the internet was limited, and much of the learning relied on books and hands-on practice. Today, students have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips, thanks to the internet and digital tools. However, this convenience comes with its own set of challenges.
Ma’am Maricon highlighted the importance of adapting teaching methods to keep up with these changes. She shared how she has moved away from traditional, lecture-based teaching to a more interactive and collaborative approach. For instance, instead of simply teaching programming concepts, she encourages her students to work on projects that require them to apply their knowledge and develop solutions. This hands-on approach not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters creativity and critical thinking.
The Role of Technology in Education
Our conversation naturally shifted to the role of technology in education, particularly in the field of computer engineering. Ma’am Maricon acknowledged the transformative impact of tools like ChatGPT and other AI technologies. While some educators view these tools as a threat, she sees them as an opportunity to enhance learning.
“I’m not against ChatGPT,” she said. “It makes you smarter and helps you learn a lot. But you should develop your own learning skills and not rely solely on it.”
To address the potential misuse of AI tools, she incorporates discussions and Q&A sessions into her assessments. For example, after students submit their programming projects, she asks them to explain specific lines of code and their functionality. This ensures that they truly understand their work and discourages them from simply copying and pasting solutions from the internet.
Ma’am Maricon also shared her concerns about the future of education in the age of AI. She fears that educators might become obsolete if they fail to adapt to the changing landscape. “Educators must always be one step ahead,” she said. “We need to supervise and guide students, not just provide information.”
Preparing Students for the Future Workforce
One of the most thought-provoking parts of our conversation was Ma’am Maricon’s perspective on preparing students for the future workforce. She emphasized the importance of equipping students with skills that go beyond technical knowledge. In a world where AI and automation are becoming increasingly prevalent, she believes that soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability, are just as important as technical expertise.
She also highlighted the need for students to specialize in areas that cannot be easily automated. “Develop yourself to be an expert in something,” she advised. “Whether it’s AI, machine learning, or hardware, you need to have a unique skill set that sets you apart.”
Ma’am Maricon encourages her students to think critically about the challenges facing society and to develop innovative solutions. For instance, she shared how her students have worked on projects like solar-powered canes for the elderly and automatic coin separators. These projects not only showcase their technical skills but also demonstrate their ability to address real-world problems.
Empowering Women and Advocating for Sustainability
Beyond her role as an educator, Ma’am Maricon is also a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and sustainability. Through her advocacy as Lady of the Earth International 2024, she supports single women, separated wives, and widows by providing them with livelihood programs. Her initiatives include teaching them how to create products from recycled materials, such as sachets and straws, and helping them sell these products to support their families.
She shared how her national costume for the Lady of the Earth pageant was made entirely from recycled materials, including coffee sachets and drinking straws. This creative approach not only highlighted her commitment to sustainability but also inspired others to see the value in upcycling.
Ma’am Maricon’s advocacy extends to her students as well. She encourages them to think about how their engineering skills can be used to address environmental challenges, such as climate change and natural disasters. By instilling a sense of social responsibility in her students, she hopes to create a generation of engineers who are not only skilled but also compassionate and forward-thinking.
Lessons for Educators and Students
My conversation with Ma’am Maricon left me with several valuable lessons, both as an educator and as someone passionate about lifelong learning:
A Vision for the Future
As our conversation came to a close, Ma’am Maricon shared her vision for the future of education and technology. She believes that while AI and automation will continue to transform the way we learn and work, the human element will always be essential. “Computers cannot stand alone,” she said. “Human expertise and creativity will always be needed.”
Her words reminded me of the importance of balancing technology with humanity. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, we must remember that education is not just about preparing students for jobs—it’s about preparing them for life.
Ma’am Maricon’s passion for teaching, her commitment to her students, and her advocacy for sustainability and empowerment are truly inspiring. She is a shining example of how educators can make a difference, not just in the classroom but in the world.
As I reflect on our conversation, I am reminded of the power of education to transform lives and create a better future. And for that, I am deeply grateful to Ma’am Maricon for sharing her insights and experiences with me.
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