Featuring the work of education experts from Jamaica, Malaysia, and Kenya, this webinar showcases research at the intersection of Generative AI, digitalisation, quality, and assessment in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Under the sub-theme of “skills development for lifelong learning,” this online session is part of Beyond the Forum, a webinar series continuing conversations sparked at the Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF11) in place of a virtual conference option. The series amplifies diverse global perspectives and gives voice to education experts worldwide on transforming education through openness, innovation, and inclusion.
Agenda
Welcome remarks – COL (5 minutes)
Three speakers’ presentations, with question and answer sessions (40 mins)
Reflective recap and wrap-up – COL (15 minutes)
Speakers and presentations
- Dr Marcia Rowe Amonde, Senior Director, HEART National Training Agency, Jamaica – The Voices of TVET Learners: Perspectives on Online Learning Among Learners in Five TVET Institutions in Jamaica
- Mr Jonathan JS Kovilpillai, Programme Manager of the Digital Learning Hub, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation, Malaysia – Generative AI for Achieving Instructional Alignment in TVET: A Conceptual Framework and Case Study
- Mr Joseph Orina Makori, Education Technical Solutions Expert, Kenya School of TVET – Barriers to Accreditation of Online Learning Programmes in Kenyan TVET Institutions: A Study of Policy, Infrastructure, and Institutional Readiness
Date and Registration
- Date: 17 April 2026 at 8:00 am PST
- Register: https://commonwealthoflearning.info/4so0YpQ
Speaker biographies
Dr Marcia Rowe Amonde (Ph.D) is currently the Senior Director at the HEART National Training Agency, Jamaica. She has responsibilities for overseeing the development of labour market driven programmes, advancing blended learning and organising leadership programmes for TVET principals and teachers. She has also served as the UNESCO – UNEVOC Cluster Coordinator for the Caribbean and is actively involved in presentations at seminars and conferences on effective learning in TVET.
Mr Jonathan JS Kovilpillai is Programme Manager of the Digital Learning Hub at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and the APU UNESCO Chair. He specialises in integrating Generative AI and digital learning design in higher education and has led UNESCO, World Bank and COL-supported initiatives, training educators and TVET practitioners across Asia, Africa, and Europe. He also works on SDG-aligned curricula, micro-credentials, and AI-driven instructional design, contributing to research and global capacity-building efforts.
Mr Joseph Orina Makori is an Education Technical Solutions Expert at the Kenya School of TVET, specialising in Open, Distance and eLearning, data governance, and applied data science. He has led multi stakeholder initiatives in TVET systems, including policy development, quality assurance, M&E in eLearning and digital learning platforms. His work focuses on strengthening institutional capacity and translating policy into practical, technology enabled solutions for scalable, high quality education delivery across diverse public contexts.
