In South Africa’s ever-evolving education landscape, AI technology has the potential to alleviate resource challenges encountered by institutions. However, it is imperative for local educational institutions to adopt the responsible and ethical use of AI whilst navigating this technological evolution. Striking a delicate balance between maximizing the potential benefits of AI in education and maintaining vigilant oversight is challenging. However, this balance is of utmost importance.

“While immensely capable, AI can occasionally produce inaccurate responses. It is therefore imperative for students and educators to continually validate AI-generated content,” advises Dr Jolanda Morkel, Head of Instructional Design at STADIO.

Despite this, STADIO is harnessing AI to revolutionise the learning experience, with a focus on improving learning outcomes, enhancing accessibility, and equipping students with skills relevant to the modern workplace.

Dr Morkel highlights one significant stride in AI’s impact on education—the creation of interactive versions of ChatGPT with audio and video elements.

“Lecturers are encouraged to embrace emerging technologies, including AI, to deliver tailored support, and guidance, and promote self-directed learning around the clock,” she adds.

In tertiary institutions, AI should be embraced beyond the classroom by actively exploring its potential to streamline administrative processes, optimise admissions and grading, and provide invaluable support to students.

Finding the right balance

Despite the immense promise of AI in education, incorporating it in an institution responsibly, is critical for institutions to uphold their academic integrity. Dr Morkel adds that the integration of AI involves a large-scale change management process, as many people are as yet not comfortable, to say the least, with the integration of AI in teaching practices.

“Then, of course, data privacy issues must be considered, and robust policies and measures must be put in place to protect students’ sensitive information. Higher Education Institutions may need to seek strategic partnerships with experts in, for example, behavioural psychology, learning technology and instructional design, to help them navigate this fast-changing environment ,” adds Dr Morkel.

As tertiary institutions venture into effective AI integration, clear goal setting, extensive training and the implementation of a skills development programme that enables both lecturers and management teams, are imperative, she says.