Let’s face it: While we debate the ethical implications and practicalities of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the reality is that it is already deeply embedded in our education systems. Educators are using AI tools to set assessments and students are using AI to write the answers. But rather than welcome this shift, we find ourselves in a contradictory state—criticising the very instruments we covertly depend on. The problem is not that these instruments are intrinsically evil; rather, we lack the necessary rules to properly include them into our educational systems.
We need to develop comprehensive policies, supporting the development of teacher skills and establish environments whereby artificial intelligence is seen as a tool for instruction rather than a threat. It also entails embracing the responsibility to train our students on how to use tools to support their learning and development. Also, it is important to train the students on how to probe and analyse the information from these AI tools for authenticity so that may extract and apply accurate information with confidence and proficiency.
When you see top tech companies investing in huge infrastructure (Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Apple, etc.) and changing their product ranges (Microsoft Copilot plus PCs), you know we are moving towards an irreversible technological transformation. Why do we always want to play it safe and then make comments like “my country is 20 years behind”? We have smart and capable people in Africa and we can learn from those who have already made great strides. Let’s not always wait. We need to jump on this bus early enough or be left behind again like we have been before.

References

Cantú-Ortiz, Francisco J, Nathalíe Galeano Sánchez, Leonardo Garrido, Hugo Terashima-Marin, and Ramón F Brena. 2020. “An artificial intelligence educational strategy for the digital transformation.” International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM) 14:1195-1209.

Investopedia. (2023). As Big Tech Ramps Up AI Spending, Investors Worry Whether Costs Will Pay Off. Retrieved 24 July 2024, from https://www.investopedia.com/as-big-tech-ramps-up-ai-spending-investors-worry-whether-costs-will-pay-off-8669532

Nguyen, A., Ngo, H. N., Hong, Y., Dang, B., & Nguyen, B. P. T. (2023). Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in education. Education and Information Technologies, 28(4), 4221-4241.

Microsoft. (2024, May 20). Introducing Copilot PCs. Retrieved 24 July 2024, from https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/05/20/introducing-copilot-pcs/

NVIDIA. The Most Advanced AI, Ready for Enterprise. Retrieved 24 July 2024,from https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/solutions/ai/.