{"id":138262,"date":"2026-10-30T10:14:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T15:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umecit.edu.pa\/?p=138262"},"modified":"2026-10-30T11:13:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T16:13:21","slug":"la-innovacion-educativa-y-el-reconocimiento-a-la-excelencia-docente-protagonizan-jornada-academica-en-umecit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umecit.edu.pa\/en\/la-innovacion-educativa-y-el-reconocimiento-a-la-excelencia-docente-protagonizan-jornada-academica-en-umecit\/","title":{"rendered":"Educational innovation and recognition of teaching excellence take center stage at the academic day at UMECIT"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology -UMECIT- celebrated the 8th Day of Teaching Innovation in the Classroom, under the motto "Innovate to transform: Teaching methodologies that inspire learning", a meeting that brought together innovative pedagogical experiences and recognized the teachers who stand out for their commitment to educational quality and the principles of the Neo-Cyberhumanist Curricular Educational Model.<\/span><\/p>

The event, held on October 29, facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices regarding active teaching methodologies, artificial intelligence, project-based and challenge-based learning, educational inclusion, and strategies that connect academic training with real-world situations.<\/span><\/p>

During the installation, the rector of UMECIT, Dr. Jos\u00e9 Alberto Nieto Rojas, expressed his pride in the progress achieved by the University, both nationally and internationally, and recognized the commitment of the professors as protagonists of these achievements.<\/span><\/p>

The rector highlighted that the Neo-Cyberhumanist Educational Model has transcended its humanist and scientific foundations to become a reality evident in the students' education, thanks to the work and dedication of the teaching staff.<\/span><\/p>

He also thanked the teachers for taking on the challenges of a profession that demands much more than transmitting knowledge, by becoming mentors, leaders, promoters of good practices and guides of formative learning that articulates teaching, research and extension.<\/span><\/p>

As an example of the international impact of this work, he referred to the experiences shared this year in Barranquilla, Colombia, which reflect the progress of the University and the fundamental role of teachers in the articulation of their substantive functions.<\/span><\/p>

Finally, he invited them to continue innovating, transcending, and taking advantage of technology as a tool at the service of education, without losing sight of the essential purpose of forming ethical, honest, and responsible citizens.<\/span><\/p>

Teaching experiences that transform learning<\/b><\/h3>

The opening conference was led by Dr. Mar\u00eda Isabel Guerrero Molina, a research professor at the Catholic University Luis Amig\u00f3, Colombia, who presented the paper "Micro-sprints of challenge-based learning: research to impact", a proposal focused on methodological innovation and linking research with learning experiences aimed at generating impact.<\/span><\/p>

One of the central moments of the day was the presentation of five teaching experiences selected from 13 applications, through an academic evaluation process.<\/span><\/p>

The finalist professors were Belisario Villarreal Valencia, with a proposal on social reality as a learning scenario in Social Work; George Lackwood \u00c1vila, who addressed logistics management from the business experience; Isela Anairs L\u00f3pez Guti\u00e9rrez, with a project-based learning methodology to develop web solutions; Fredy Alexander Ramea Rojas, who presented an experience on artificial intelligence and digital skills; and Alberto Marcelino Flores Guerra, with a proposal that integrates teaching, scientific research, and fieldwork.<\/span><\/p>

The presentations gave way to a panel of experts moderated by the renowned Panamanian journalist \u00c1lvaro Alvarado, in which the challenges of university teaching and the opportunities offered by new methodologies to enrich professional training were explored in depth.<\/span><\/p>

The evaluation jury was made up of Mgtr. Lizbeth Velasco, Dr. Sandra M\u00f3nica Ramos Ospina and Dr. Lucas Ariel Rodr\u00edguez, who assessed the participants' mastery of the topics, the clarity of the presentations, their ability to engage in dialogue, and their critical reflection.<\/span><\/p>

Recognition of the best experiences in educational innovation<\/b><\/h3>

After evaluating the five finalist presentations, the jury selected the three most outstanding experiences of this eighth edition.<\/span><\/p>

First place was awarded to Professor Alberto Marcelino Flores Guerra, with the presentation "From the classroom to the real context: integration of teaching, scientific research and field experience for transformative learning.".<\/span><\/p>

Second place went to Professor Fredy Alexander Ramea Rojas, who presented "AI with criteria in the classroom: digital skills to undertake and create," a proposal that addresses the use of artificial intelligence and the development of digital skills in educational processes.<\/span><\/p>

For her part, Professor Isela Anairs L\u00f3pez Guti\u00e9rrez obtained third place with the experience "Programming to transform: project-based learning to create web solutions with real impact.".<\/span><\/p>

The winners received institutional recognition, financial incentives, and scholarships, as an encouragement to creativity and the development of pedagogical proposals that enrich student training.<\/span><\/p>

Neo-Cyberhumanist Award 2026: recognition of teaching excellence<\/b><\/h3>

Another significant moment of the meeting was the presentation of the 2026 Neo-Cyberhumanist Award, an institutional distinction that recognizes professors who, through their academic practice, represent the values, skills and principles of the UMECIT educational model.<\/span><\/p>

The selection process began with applications from 471 faculty members and involved 1,026 members of the university community, including students, faculty, graduates, and administrative staff. Subsequently, the finalists were evaluated based on academic criteria, including an assessment of their classroom performance.<\/span><\/p>

The professors recognized in the seven categories were:<\/span><\/p>