Samtse College of Education Highlights Innovation and Inclusion at ABRC 2025
Samtse College of Education (SCE) brought its expertise in innovative teaching and inclusive education to the forefront at the 3rd Australia–Bhutan Research Conference (ABRC 2025), held in Thimphu from 3rd to 5th December 2025. The SCE delegation, led by College President Dr. Sonam Rinchen, included Dr. Kinley Seday (DRIL), Dechen Choney, Research Officer Sangay Lhamo, and four faculty presenters.
Three faculty members highlighted the college’s focus on integrating technology and inclusivity in higher education. Ms. Sapna Thapa contributed to “Fireside Chat II: AI and the Future of Higher Education,” sharing her practical experience in using AI tools to enrich classroom learning, foster critical thinking, and provide personalized support for students, while emphasizing the ethical and responsible use of technology.
In the session “Innovation in Education,” Ms. Tshering Om Tamang presented her study, “Exploring the integration of generative AI tools in teaching, learning and assessment in the colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan: Students’ perspective on potential benefits and challenges.” One participant commented, “It was very insightful to hear the research on AI, and it was encouraging to see SCE engaging actively in these emerging topics.” Her work provided evidence-based insights on students’ perceptions of AI tools such as ChatGPT, guiding the thoughtful integration of technology into teaching, learning, and assessment in higher education.
SCE also showcased its dedication to inclusive pedagogy through Dr. Kinley’s presentation on “Exploring equity and inclusion using universal design for learning and teaching at Samtse College of Education,” demonstrating practical strategies for creating equitable learning environments. In addition, Dr Tashi Gyeltshen highlighted his research through a poster presentation, underscoring the breadth of inquiry and innovation supported by the college.
Participation in ABRC 2025 allowed SCE to both share its research and sustain its international academic collaborations with Australian institutions, reinforcing its role as a hub for educational innovation in Bhutan.
