Photo: From left: Dr Xolani Khohliso, Curriculum and Academic Staff Developer: Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning; Prof. David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; Mr Jody Joubert, Manager: Living Laboratory for Innovative Teaching and ICT lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria, Prof. Ntsoaki Malebo, Senior Director: Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning; Ms Abigail Edem, Curriculum and Academic Staff Developer; Prof. Ben Kotze, Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning and Mr Neil Kramm, Faculty Member: Centre of Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning at Rhodes University.

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the educational landscape with the potential to transform how students learn, and teachers educate. Artificial intelligence-powered solutions can personalise learning, automate administrative duties, and give educators critical insights into student performance.

On 11 August 2023, the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching held an AI and Chat GPT Indaba to discuss how educators can better harness the power of AI to transform Teaching and learning.

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, said that the seminar serves as a platform to delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in teaching and learning.  “Transforming education by harnessing the power of AI in teaching and learning can revolutionise how we educate and equip students for the future. This seminar hopes to engage in comprehensive discussions, share insights and embark on a journey that promises to shape and reshape the education landscape. Our indaba will also tap into compelling topics with an insightful introduction to Artificial Intelligence Chat GPT.” 

Topics such as capabilities and applications of AI, revolutionalising content creation, curriculum design and how to engage students were covered.

Keynote speaker Prof. Ben Kotze, Assistant Dean, Teaching and Learning: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology, said that the lessons of history have shown that technological change cannot be concealed entirely. He said AI can be a valuable aid for educators and learners in the teaching and learning journey. “As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and transformative applications of AI in the education sector in the years to come. However, handling AI knowledge with great care and utmost ethical consideration is essential. While we can understand the present situation, the future remains uncertain and lies ahead of us. Therefore, we must be willing to embrace change and adopt innovative approaches to our actions and endeavours.” 

In conclusion, Jody Joubert ICT lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria and Neil Kramm, a faculty member in the Centre of Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CH ERTL) at Rhodes University, said they believe that AI should be seen as a tool that enhances human capabilities, promotes creativity, and empowers students as well as faculties and staff to contribute meaningfully to teaching and learning.

Uploaded: 16 August 2023