^{At one of the CUT’s state-of-the-art laboratories, young innovators and scientists in the making- Ms. Nthabiseng Tshandu (left) and Chanelle Mcleod (right) are proving to the world that AI plays a critical role in science education and the Higher Education Sector. They are seen here with Lecturer, Prof. Parks Makhoahle.}

CUT Ms. Chanelle Mcleod and Ms. Nthabiseng Tshandu (2^nd and 3^rd) year Medical Microbiology students achieved a significant milestone and recognition when they presented their paper titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Through the Student Lens: A Q&A with Central University of Technology Students” at a global stage.

Both students were invited to present at a prestigious global event attended by about 803 scientists hosted by the University of Kent, England. Their presentation, titled “AI Through the Student Lens: A Question & Answer AI Engagement with Central University of Technology Students,” was delivered alongside renowned academics and students from various international institutions.

As part of a diagnostic practical, the 2^nd and 3^rd -year Medical Microbiology students integrated AI tools such as ChatGPT 3.5 and Meta AI (WhatsApp) in their investigation to identify pathogenic organisms. They populated large language models (LLMs) with patient MCS (microscopy, culture, and sensitivity) data, supplemented with biochemical test results, and critically evaluated AI-generated feedback.

Under the mentorship of Prof. Parks Makhoahle, Lecturer for Medical Microbiology (MMCB216) (2nd-year) and MMCB317(3rd-year) Medical Microbiology practical, students engaged in a diagnostic practical integrating AI tools to analyse pathogenic organisms. Using microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MCS) data, supplemented with biochemical test results, students critically evaluated AI-generated diagnoses. Their assignment was focused on identifying bacterial pathogens exhibiting beta-haemolytic and weak alpha characteristics on blood agar, with specific gram morphological structures observed as long chains and diplococci/short chains respectively for different academic levels.

 Prof. Makhoahle added, “our students showcased the integration of AI into Medical Microbiology diagnosis, emphasising its benefits while cautioning the attendees about the importance of information verification and human oversight in their final clinical decisions. Their contribution highlighted CUT’s commitment to innovation in medical education and the critical role of AI in diagnostic sciences.”

^{Third-year Medical Microbiology student Ms. Nthabiseng Tshandu with Prof. Parks Makhoahle, her MMCB317 Lecturer.}

Their synopses were accepted for presentation alongside subject experts and students from other universities around the world.

When elaborating on her synopsis, Nthabiseng said her experience with Ai has been beneficial in her academics as there were concepts that she could not grasp from physical learning and teaching, that she now masters because of the App. “Incorporating AI in learning and teaching has a potential to enhance student engagement, clearer understanding and better outcomes as much as it has its own challenges,” she highlighted.

“The positive part is that AI can help reduce the workload of instructors by automating the grading process for multiple choice questions and other objective assessment, it can enable students to explore complex concepts in an engaging way, it can tailor learning experiences to individual’s needs and learning styles. It also provides one-on-one support to students, offering real-time feedback and guidance, and can create effective study time-tables and provide tips on how to learn complex concepts. On the downside, AI can create an over reliance which can lead to lack of human interaction and empathy in the learning process. It is not always accurate and reliable, and its biased data can lead to flawed decision making,” she said.

She added that using the App for her assignment opened ample learning opportunities as it provided her with more information by suggesting for further testing in molecular or biochemical test to confirm the identity of the organism because it made tentative identification.

“If I had not used AI, I would not have known some concepts of Staphylococcus aureus which are similar to Enterococcus faecalis. It helped me in differentiating factors and same factors. Furthermore, it has enhanced my confidence because I had to go to other sources to compare my results with what I performed and I got to learn even more,” she concluded.

^{Second year Medical Microbiologystudent Chanelle McLeod with Prof. Parks Makhoahle, her MMCB216 Lecturer.}

Chanelle McLeod said that AI plays a critical role in enhancing learning and interpretation. It is also a transformative tool that enhances academic performance, fosters curiosity, and empowers students to approach scientific inquiry with confidence. “Artificial Intelligence(AI) has revolutionised academics by providing tools for research, analysis, and interpretation. It has assisted me with my research, the data analysis, interpretation of the microorganism and the antibiotic zone sizes I observed in my practical class. It also provided insights that improved my comprehension on this particular microorganism by providing a clear explanation to my results and findings.”

She further added that AI confirmed her findings with more illustrations that deepened her understanding, elaborating on her explanation and interpretations. “It enhanced my ability to analyse microbial data by providing clear explanations for each piece of information. It also played a crucial role in simplifying microbiological processes. The App also clarified laboratory techniques such as Gram staining, bacterial smear preparation, and heat fixation. Additionally, it provided insights into biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and antibiotic interpretation, enabling me to assess antibiotic effectiveness against bacteria.”