The Department of Higher Education and Training with the Commonwealth of Learning Have Started Coordinating the National Workshop on AI in Education
The effects of AI development are felt in all strata of global society and its economies. Education is not an exception. Many countries want to use advanced technologies for better education to more sufficiently equip generations with the skills required in an increasingly digital world. Likewise, South Africa is making great efforts to adapt its education system. Within this framework, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) began the National Workshop on AI in Education, the first of its kind in South Africa to generate collaborative discussion and cognitive activity on the integration of AI to the world of Post-School Education and Training (PSET) in South Africa.
The two day workshop hosted more than 80 participants with diverse educational backgrounds and included personnel from various Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), public and private higher education institutions, South African Council for Educators (SACE), South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE), Umalusi, VVOB and Council on Higher Education (CHE). This diversity is a result of the commitment to the positive use of AI in educational service delivery, teacher training and development and the rapid digital transformation of the education system in South Africa.
The workshop serves as a vital avenue for networking for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, institutional heads, and development partners. The workshop was aimed at the recognition of the diversity of the education, the event was aimed at producing constructive dialogue concerning the challenges and opportunities of the adoption of AI, the event participants were invited to engage in developing collaborative and constructive approaches to the adoption of AI in the Teaching, Learning and Educational Management processes in a responsible and effective manner.
From the various sectors the Artificial Intelligence technology is acknowledged to be one of the dominant technologies of the 21st Century. The use and applicability of this technology is diverse and cuts across all the sectors from Health Care, Agriculture, Finance, Transport right into Education. Learning in the Education sector is going to be positively impacted by various AI technologies and tools which include the personalization of learning, intelligent tutoring, automated assessment, learning analytics, and streamlined learning administration. The effective deployment of this technology in education is going to require a thoughtful and a balanced approach to planning, ethics, the right policies, and the right infrastructure to ensure that all learners are impacted positively and that the technology does not have a negative context.
The reality and implications of AI use have compelled the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Commonwealth of Learning to anchor conversations on the AI readiness of PSET. The intent of the workshop was to provide avenues to strategically consider the state of affairs, assess the extent to which institutions have readied themselves to exploit AI for improving the quality of education in order to make it more accessible. The workshop also provided participants the opportunity to consider how AI could address some of the challenges the South African education system has experienced. These include the inequities in the system as a result of a lack of resources and the need to improve Educational support services.
The workshop’s keynote address was given by Professor Ng’ambi. His keynote was on “AI and the Future of Teacher Education: Global Trends and Local Imperatives.” This presentation was very helpful in understanding the relationship between AI and Teacher Education. It also stressed that teacher/trainers need to be able to manage technological changes while being committed to ethical and inclusive teaching.
Professor Ng’ambi’s keynote looked at the new global AI trends and their impact on teaching and learning. Across the globe, educational organizations are beginning to adopt AI tools to engage learners, provide tailor made learning, and improve teaching/instruction. Innovations of technologies are beginning to change the models of teaching that have existed for a long time. This includes Adaptive Learning where an AI tool determines the learning needs of a student and Learning Analytics that provide data and insights on student learning. These innovations and improvements both impact teaching and learning and have the potential to make the teaching and learning process more engaging.
The address also stressed that the changes in technology should not be considered in isolation of the value of education and the needs of society. AI should not be viewed strictly as an Automated Tool, but more as a Cognitive Assistant in Learning. Because of this, the responsibility of teacher education is to provide the training to teachers on the appropriate use of AI in Education. It is also their responsibility to equip teachers to address the possible dangers of using AI in education.
Responsive to the context of local communities is one of the primary priorities when considering how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education systems, according to the main theme that emerged from the presentation. Global trends can provide inspiration for new initiatives; however, strategies for using AI within the educational system in South Africa must include specific solutions to address unique challenges and opportunities within that country. In particular, when developing an AI initiative for South Africa’s educational system, consideration should be given to the following factors: digital infrastructure, connectivity, language diversity, socio-economic inequality, and variation in technological skills.
In addition, the educators participating in the discussion emphasized that digital transformation is becoming increasingly important to the education system. Digital transformation is more than just introducing new technology into the classroom; it also necessitates a re-evaluation of all aspects of the education system, which includes policy, pedagogy, and institutions, as they need to be able to successfully function within a digital world. For example, AI has the ability to make digital transformation happen more quickly by promoting evidence-based decision-making; improving efficiency across the board for school districts; and allowing for more creative ways of delivering instruction and assessing student learning.
AI also creates opportunities and responsibilities for the preparation of future educators. Teachers who will be teaching in the future will have to learn to use AI in addition to understanding the larger implications of using AI. These larger implications include the following: issues of privacy, the potential for bias in algorithms, the need for transparency and accountability, and the necessity of ethical decision-making. Therefore, the preparation programs for future educators must incorporate digital literacy, AI literacy, and so forth.
All throughout the workshop, participants discussed how institutions could build frameworks and policies that support the responsible use of AI including ways to develop governance mechanisms to ensure that AI is used fairly, inclusively and to improve quality of education.
Developing effective policy to support AI requires collaboration between government departments, educational institutions, professional bodies and other stakeholders to create common principles and standards.
Another significant topic was building capacity because AI will only be successful if educators, administrators and institutional leaders are prepared. Professional development will therefore be key in providing education professionals the necessary knowledge of AI concepts, providing opportunities to apply technology and giving them the confidence they need to use new technologies. In addition, continuous opportunities for learning in order to keep up with advances in technology and changing best practices will be essential.
Organizations such as SACE, SAIDE, Umalusi, VVOB and CHE were instrumental in adding richness to the conversations. Each organization brought unique perspectives and expertise regarding quality assurance, professional development, open and distance learning, educational innovation and policy implementation, which helped to shape the conversations. Their contributions exemplified that a collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach is crucial in transforming education.
The collaboration between The Commonwealth of Learning and (the institution) has reinforced the significance of global cooperation in the process of enhancing Education through innovation. The Commonwealth of Learning, which is an inter-governmental organization that focuses on improving learning for sustainable development, has extensive experience providing support to member states in the use of technology to enhance learning. The collaboration between The Commonwealth of Learning and the Department of Higher Education and Training demonstrates a mutual desire to strengthen Education Systems and expand opportunities through innovation.
As the discussion evolved to that of practical examples of AI applications within South Africa’s PSET sector, several possible AI applications were explored, including: Intelligent Learning Management Systems; Virtual Teaching Assistants; Automated Feedback Mechanisms; Predictive Analytics for Student Success; and AI Supported Curriculum Development. These AI Examples help to demonstrate the multiple facets of technology that can be utilized to enhance the Education Experience, while supporting Institutional Objectives.
Despite these advances, the other discussion point brought to the forefront by delegates was the identification of key challenges that must be addressed in order to fully realize the potential benefits of AI in Education. For example, failure to recognize that digital skills gaps, lack of access to technology, limited Infrastructure and Data Security must all be given adequate attention. In order to address these challenges, there must be ongoing funding support, strategic planning and collaborative action across multiple Sectors.
The importance of carefulness and caution while creating an innovation was the core focus for the National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Education (AI in Education) held on 12th March 2021. This Workshop confirmed that transforming through AI has its potential, however it must be conducted with the learner as the focal point and all transformation must be aligned to the educational mandate and goals and that human creativity, judgment, empathy and professional expertise will remain essential in education regardless of how technologically advanced the tools we use for this purpose are. It is also proposed that AI will support educators and facilitate their ability to support their learners with respect to achieving a successful outcome from their education.
The National Workshop was a significant milestone for South Africa as we continue to move towards a digitally enabled education system that is ready for the future and in this process the engagement established many opportunities for sharing ideas, establishing partnerships and reflecting on the future of learning through AI.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) have taken the lead in facilitating meaningful and inclusive conversations across the education sector through the National Workshop to promote informed and inclusive discussions around the future of learning, and as such are demonstrating leadership in this space. The workshop is intended as a foundation for ongoing collaboration and as such offers a means for creating policies, strategies and initiatives that will enable a responsible integration of AI into the Post-School Education (PSET) system in South Africa.
The National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, organised by the Department of Higher Education and Training in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Learning, was convened to discuss both the creative possibilities that AI brings to South Africa’s education sector as well as the challenges and complexities of introducing AI into the country’s educational systems. As the representatives from the various Provincial Educational Departments, universities, quality assurance bodies and teacher development organisations engaged in these discussions, a consensus developed regarding the fact that there are vast opportunities created by the introduction of AI into educational systems, but that these opportunities will require careful, ethical, inclusive and adequately resourced implementation strategies to be realised.
Understanding the benefits and challenges of AI in Education is critical to ensuring that AI is used to strengthen the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector through innovative value-added solutions, rather than exacerbate already existing inequities.
1. Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Education
1.1 Individualised Instruction and Assistance for Students
The best thing about using artificial intelligence in the classroom is how it allows you to provide personalised learning. Systems driven by artificial intelligence (AI) can evaluate how well a learner performs throughout the course and tailor the materials for the student according to how quickly each individual learns material, as well as his/her abilities.
In the post-secondary education and training (PSET) system, where students’ academic readiness and socio-economic status differ so widely, providing individualised instruction will assist in closing the gap between low and high achievers. Students who struggle with basic concepts receive specific help, while students at the advanced level receive enriched materials to fit their abilities.
Because of this, there are fewer dropouts and an increase in overall academic success.
1.2 Improved Teaching and Learning Quality
Lecturers and educators will be able to use artificial intelligence to reduce their administrative tasks and improve their instructional designs. Tools like automated grading systems, intelligent tutoring systems, and AI-assisted lesson planning allow educators to spend more time on high-value activities like mentoring, facilitating, and engaging critically with learners.
AI can provide tactical feedback to students in real time and enable instructors to give feedback to learners on how they perform against expectations during their studies, rather than relying on retrospective assessments. This will help to strengthen the degree of use of formative assessment, which is very important for successful learning.
1.3 Decision Making Based on Data
Many postsecondary institutions face challenges tracking student success and institutional effectiveness. AI-based analytics can assist institutions in discovering trends in student learners, predicting students at risk of dropping out, and assessing the effectiveness of programs.
Using analytics, policymakers and institutional leaders will be able to make more informed decisions based on data rather than on assumptions. For example, early warning systems can identify at-risk learners and enable effective interventions before they drop out or fail.
The creation of these understanding systems is well-aligned with national initiatives aimed towards improving retention rates of postsecondary students and improving outcomes of students who complete their studies.
1.4 Expanded Access to Quality Education
AI technology and online/distance learning systems can be used to provide greater access to education for students living in remote areas or in disadvantaged areas. Use of virtual learning aides, chatbots, and AI-enabled learning programs provide students support for their academic pursuits outside of regular school hours.
Overcoming barriers to access to education and digital infrastructure in a country that has continued inequity in both areas is a major area of concern. Strategic implementation of AI can assist in bridging geographical and resource barriers.
1.5 Supporting Teacher Preparation and Development
Discussions about the future of the teacher preparation process were also part of the workshop. The use of AI technologies provide opportunities to create simulated classroom environments, provide feedback to improve teaching techniques, and support continued professional development of teachers.
Teachers who are in either the pre-service or in-service stage of development can benefit from using AI tools to assess the effectiveness of their teaching styles and provide feedback for improvement, as well as offer evidence-based instructional strategies which promote a more reflective practice in teaching.
Furthermore, as teachers prepare students for digital-age learning environments, they will require continued professional development through the use of AI technologies.
1.6 Institutional Management and Administrative Effectiveness
An educational institution’s use of AI can greatly increase its administrative effectiveness. Many administrative activities, such as student enrollment, class schedules, allocation of resources, and communication can all be made more efficient with the use of intelligent systems.
This not only saves institutions on operational costs, but allows them to redirect funds that would be spent on administration towards other areas, such as improving student services.
Challenges with Educational Use of Artificial Intelligence
While there are numerous benefits for using artificial intelligence (AI) as part of an educational experience, there are also numerous challenges associated with its current state of development that need to be taken into account before implementing it into the classroom or any other setting where learning occurs.
The Digital Divide/Educational Inequality
When implementing AI into the classroom, the number-one obstacle facing educators today is creating a level playing field for all students regardless of their socioeconomic status. In fact, according to one recent study, more than 60% of students/educators who participated in a survey regarding their use of technology in the classroom had no reliable access to either the internet or to a computer.
Therefore, as AI is implemented into classroom lessons, it has a very high probability of increasing the digital divide and worsening educational inequality (due to lack of technology) between students in rural areas and those who attend schools located in urban areas (who are able to afford access to advanced technologies).
Data Privacy & Security
As discussed above, when using AI in schools, data and data analysis are essential. However, data associated with students, including their grades, demographic data, and behavioural data (if applicable), can contain very sensitive and personal data about each student. As a result, schools and school districts have a tremendous responsibility to protect students’ data and be in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
Additionally, if schools do not have the technology to protect students’ data, the possibility of students’ sensitive data being improperly accessed increases (abundant). Thus, schools are required by law to have robust and comprehensive data protection systems in place or they may not be allowed to utilize technology-based educational tools for teaching their students.
Algorithmic Bias and Fairness
AI systems are only as unbiased as the data that they were trained on. If AI systems are trained on historical data that contains evidence of inequalities and systemic bias, AI systems therefore may unintentionally perpetuate those inequalities.
An example of how AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate existing inequalities is how predictive systems are used to identify again students at risk; if these predictive systems are not carefully designed and monitored, they may continue to disadvantage certain groups of students.
Therefore, it is imperative that AI systems are implemented in an ethical manner, which requires establishing fairness; transparency and accountability; within AI systems.
Limited Digital Skills in Educators
The successful integration of AI will heavily depend on the readiness of educators and administrators. A significant number of teachers and lecturers do not have sufficient levels of digital literacy and lack the expertise to effectively engage with AI tools.
This digital skills deficit, can be a significant barrier to the adoption of AI, thus severely limiting the successful implementation of AI initiatives within the sector. Comprehensive technical training, teacher professional development and building the capacity of all personnel throughout the sector; is therefore essential.
To aid in addressing this issue, teacher education institutions will be situated at the forefront of the solution.
Infrastructure and Resources Limitations
The implementation of AI technology demands high levels of digital infrastructure; including reliable internet access, adequate computing power and sufficient technical support systems. As many colleges and universities in the post-secondary education sector face significant financial resource constraints; the implementation of AI technology on a widespread basis remains a significant challenge.
If financial investment in AI does not continue at a sustained rate, the potential of AI technology will be limited, as it will only be available to affluent colleges and universities; thus perpetuating systemic inequities across the sector.
Considerations of What is Ethical/Pedagogical to Teachers
There is much discussion about the use of AI within education and whether an excessive amount of reliance on technology would cause harm to human-centric education due to AI’s place in educational contexts.
Education is about providing information and developing critical thinking skills as well as creativity, empathy, social skills, etc. Therefore, if teachers overly rely on AI systems, there could be a risk of losing some of the human aspects of an Education System.
Teachers will need to ensure that they are using AI to complement the use of human interaction versus replacing proximity to people with AI technology.
Resistant to Change
There is also Institutional or cultural resistance to the adoption of AI. Some educators and/or Institutions are hesitant to implement AI technology because they either do not have confidence or have distrust towards using AI technologies in their Institution or classroom due to the fear of losing their job.
In order to develop confidence and trust towards the use of AI technology, change management processes will be utilized, as well as building stakeholder engagement, continual education of stakeholders through campaigns, etc.
Balancing Opportunity and Risk
The workshop discussions highlighted the significance of balancing innovative solutions and accountability with respect to AI’s role in educational contexts as the future will be determined by the ways in which we proactively address the challenges associated with utilizing AI in education; while the benefits of implementing AI will far exceed any potential negative impact from using AI, these benefits cannot be fully attained without proactive solutions to the challenges identified.
It was stressed during the workshop by all involved parties in attendance that there were five key areas that must be addressed in order to promote successful implementations:
Establishing policy frameworks for the integration of AI
Investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity
Building teacher capacity through education and training
Setting forth ethical standards for AI use, governance of data, and defining appropriate boundaries around the limits of data usage;
Providing equitable access to AI resources and tools, especially for marginalized groups
These key areas of concern align closely with the overarching missions and objectives of both the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Commonwealth of Learning in terms of supporting equitable, high-quality, and future-ready educational systems.
It is clear that the future of AI in education must be based on technological advancements, as well as the collaborative commitment of all stakeholders in education (educators, institutions, policymakers), in order for AI innovation to be utilized in conjunction with equity, quality, and lifelong learning. The National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Education represents an important step towards realizing this vision of the future and placing South Africa’s educational system in a position to succeed in an increasingly digitized world.
