In a recent conversation with Dr. Christopher Sasot, a distinguished psychologist and educator with over 20 years of experience in academia, I gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education, quality assurance, and the challenges of maintaining data privacy in an increasingly digital world. As the Quality Assurance Coordinator and Laboratory Head at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Dr. Sasot brings a unique perspective on how educational institutions are adapting to technological changes while preserving the core values of teaching and learning.
The Journey from Psychology to Education
Dr. Sasot's path to education is a testament to the diverse opportunities available to psychology graduates. While many of his peers ventured into human resources or clinical practice, he found his calling in education. "When you come from PNU (Philippine Normal University), there's about an 80% chance you'll end up in academia," he shared with a smile, reflecting on his alma mater's influence on his career choice.
His current role at PUP involves overseeing 22 graduate school programs as Quality Assurance Coordinator, a responsibility that he describes as both challenging and rewarding. Unlike other colleges that manage three to five programs, the scope of his work requires meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive understanding of various academic disciplines.
Quality Assurance in the Digital Era
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Dr. Sasot's perspective on how quality assurance in education is evolving with technology. While many institutions are rushing to embrace artificial intelligence and automated systems, he maintains a thoughtful and cautious approach, particularly when handling sensitive information.
"I rarely use AI for quality assurance work," he explained, "because when you input data into AI systems, you're essentially giving away that data. It becomes part of their machine learning process." This careful consideration of data privacy reflects a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with handling student and institutional information.
Instead of fully embracing AI tools, Dr. Sasot advocates for a balanced approach that utilizes technology where appropriate while maintaining strict protocols for sensitive information. He uses tools like Grammarly and Canva for presentation purposes but remains cautious about using AI for tasks involving confidential data.
The Evolution of Psychological Testing
As a licensed psychometrician, Dr. Sasot offered fascinating insights into how psychological testing is adapting to the digital age. He highlighted the importance of maintaining test validity while acknowledging the challenges posed by online platforms and widespread access to information.
"There's a significant issue with test familiarity," he noted. "When a test becomes too widely known or accessible, it loses its validity." This challenge has become particularly acute in the age of social media and instant information sharing. However, Dr. Sasot emphasizes that some degree of test familiarity isn't necessarily problematic - what matters is that test-takers don't know the specific answers.
He also discussed the cultural aspects of psychological testing, particularly in the Philippine context. "We're developing our own norms now," he explained, highlighting how many standardized tests were originally developed using Western samples. This localization effort ensures that psychological assessments are more relevant and accurate for Filipino test-takers.
Data Privacy and Security Challenges
In an era where data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common, Dr. Sasot's approach to data privacy and security offers valuable lessons for educational institutions. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and maintaining strict protocols for handling sensitive information.
"We have to be very familiar with data privacy laws," he stressed. "While we have the right to access certain information, these rights aren't absolute." This principle guides how his department handles student records, grades, and other sensitive information.
The challenge lies in balancing accessibility with security. While the institution aims to be paperless, certain documents still require physical copies for legal and practical purposes. Dr. Sasot's department has implemented a systematic approach to document management, including:
Perhaps one of the most valuable insights from our conversation was Dr. Sasot's perspective on how educators should approach technological change. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, he encourages educators to see it as an opportunity to enhance their teaching methods and connect with students.
"We shouldn't catastrophize technology," he advised. "These changes are inevitable, and they're already here. Instead of resisting, we need to learn how to adapt and capitalize on these tools."
He shared how he uses various educational platforms and tools to make assessments more authentic and engaging. For instance, during the pandemic, when online examinations became necessary, he implemented dynamic assessment platforms that prevented simple copy-paste answers and required real understanding of the material.
The Future of Education
Dr. Sasot's vision for the future of education is both optimistic and grounded in reality. He acknowledges that while technology might change how we teach and learn, certain fundamental aspects of education remain constant:
The Human Element: Despite technological advances, the human connection between teachers and students remains crucial.
Bridging Generational Gaps
One of the most interesting aspects of our discussion was Dr. Sasot's approach to bridging the gap between educators and students of different generations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' perspectives and their world.
"I watch TikTok," he admitted with a laugh, "because you have to be relatable to students. You need to be part of their world to some extent. When you're alienated from your students, it becomes harder to reach them effectively."
This willingness to step into students' shoes and understand their perspective is crucial for effective teaching in the modern era. Dr. Sasot believes that educators must make an effort to understand current trends, interests, and modes of communication that resonate with their students.
Lessons for Aspiring Educators
For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Dr. Sasot offers several key pieces of advice:
Looking Ahead
As our conversation drew to a close, Dr. Sasot emphasized that while technology will continue to transform education, the fundamental goal remains the same: to prepare students for success in their chosen fields while maintaining the integrity of the educational process.
His parting words were particularly memorable: "There's still no shortcut to success. We might have technology that can give us instant information, but we don't yet have technology that can give us instant understanding. That still requires effort, dedication, and genuine engagement with the material."
My Take:
My conversation with Dr. Christopher Sasot offered valuable insights into how educational institutions can navigate the challenges of the digital age while maintaining high standards of quality and integrity. His balanced approach to technology, emphasis on data privacy, and commitment to authentic learning provide a roadmap for educators and institutions facing similar challenges.
As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of education, Dr. Sasot's perspectives remind us that while technology can enhance our teaching methods and administrative processes, the core values of education - genuine understanding, critical thinking, and human connection - remain as important as ever.
His example shows that successful adaptation to technological change doesn't require abandoning traditional educational values, but rather finding ways to integrate new tools and methods while preserving what makes education truly meaningful and effective.
Watch the full interview in this link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtWo1Sct44
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