Role of AI in Shaping the Future of 21st Century African Higher Education Workshop

Organizing university

University of Witwatersrand

Participants

This event is only open to Afretec members. Each university will nominate five attendees:

1. Student
2. Education developer/teaching and learning specialist
3. AI researcher/ICT lecturer
4. Inclusion and impact representative
5. Afretec teaching and learning pillar representative

Event description

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and higher education in Africa presents a transformative opportunity to enhance teaching and learning processes. As educational institutions across the continent grapple with challenges such as accessibility, quality, and relevance, AI emerges as a pivotal tool in redefining educational delivery and pedagogy. This workshop, focusing on the critical role of AI in 21st Century higher education in Africa, aims to catalyze a comprehensive discussion on how AI can create equitable access to quality education, revolutionize teaching pedagogies, and prepare the next generation of the labor force on the African continent.

The necessity to explore and develop a roadmap for AI in higher education is underscored by the pressing need for innovative solutions that can scale educational impact and tailor learning experiences to meet diverse learner needs. By integrating AI, institutions can leverage data-driven insights to personalize learning, streamline administrative processes, and foster an inclusive learning environment that bridges geographical and socio-economic divides. Additionally, as AI continues to reshape various sectors globally, embedding AI competencies into curricula is imperative to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills required in a digitized workforce. This workshop will serve as a platform to initiate these critical dialogues, setting the stage for actionable insights and collaborative efforts to harness AI's potential in enhancing the educational landscape in Africa.

Agenda

Day 1: Understanding AI and its foundations in higher education

8:00-8:50 a.m. CAT Welcome and registration

9:00-10:45 a.m. CAT Opening remarks

• Talk: "The Imperative for AI in 21st Century African Higher Education"
• Workshop discussion on the talk

10:45-11:15 a.m. CAT Tea break

11:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CAT Industry led talk

• Talk: "Overview of AI Technologies and Their Current Applications on Global Higher Education"
• Workshop discussion on the talk

1:00-2:00 p.m. CAT Lunch

2:00-4:00 p.m. CAT Talk

• Talk: "AI and Inclusion – Implications for Equitable Education in Africa"
• Workshop discussion on talk

Day 2: Deep dives into AI applications and pedagogical innovations

9:00-10:45 a.m. CAT Case study presentations with Q&A sessions

• "Lesson on AI Implementations in African Universities so far"

10:45-11:15 a.m. CAT Tea break

11:15-1:00 p.m. CAT Workshop discussion, student led

• "Student Voices"

1:00-2:00 p.m. CAT Lunch

2:00-4:00 p.m. CAT Workshop discussion

• "Designing AI-Enhanced Courses for 21st Century Skills"

Day 3: Looking forward: Strategies and policies for AI integration

9:00-10:45 a.m. CAT Debate

• "Opportunities and Impediments in Adopting AI in Higher Education"

10:45-11:15 a.m. CAT Tea break

11:15-1:00 p.m. CAT Future forecasting workshop discussion

• "The Future of AI in African Higher Education and the Implications of Pathways to Opportunities"

1:00-2:00 p.m. CAT Lunch

2:00-5:00 p.m. CAT Goal setting and where do we want to be

• "Next Steps and Collaborative Projects for AI Adoption"

5:00-5:30 p.m. CAT Closing Remarks

Pillar

Teaching and learning