Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the classroom can destabilise the idea of the teacher as the person with the authority and the most knowledge. This was according to Delecia Davids, lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of education.
AI could, however, also be useful in classrooms as it could be used as a supplementary tool to assist learners, said prof Zayd Waghid, associate professor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
This topic was discussed at a panel event hosted by Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Development and Alumni Relations Division. The panel met on 4 August to discuss the topic of “Redefining the World of Work for Teachers”.
Three experts and two moderators met on 4 August to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are reshaping the role of teachers and the future of learning. Pictured above are, Jacques Louw from the Western Cape Education Department, Wilnelie Niemand, host of the Staffroom Chatter podcast and moderator of the panel discussion, Delecia Davids, lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of education, George Jonker, host of the Staffroom Chatter podcast and moderator of the panel discussion and prof Zayd Waghid, associate professor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. PHOTO: Joseph Bracken
The discussion was based around the introduction of AI technologies in the classroom and how it is reshaping the role of the teacher and the future of learning.
This was according to Wilnelie Niemand, host of the Staffroom Chatter podcast and moderator of the panel discussion.
A collaborative effort
“The utilisation of [AI] is something that we need to teach our learners, teach our teachers, teach everybody,” said Jacques Louw, senior education specialist in IT at Western Cape Education Department.
“The teacher is the centre of the classroom. I can give you the best tools and technology, but you need a person to guide you in this journey of learning,” said Jacques Louw (pictured above) senior education specialist in IT at the Western Cape Education Department at a recent panel discussion on how Artificial Intelligence technology is changing the role of the teacher and the future of learning. PHOTO: Joseph Bracken
There is no stopping students from using AI to create assignments, said Waghid. “ChatGPT is able to create [content] and using another AI tool like Quilbot can rephrase the text,” he added.
“In the classroom students should be taught to use AI to critically review their own work, questioning the responses that the AI presents to them,” stated Waghid.
AI can also be used to assist in the work of educators, said Waghid.
“[I asked] the AI to help me develop a proposed project plan. I used it and I asked it [to] give me some suggestions. Some aspects I used,” he explained.
Teachers remain vital
Even with the implementation of AI in the classroom, the role of the teacher is still vital, stated Louw.
“If we assess collaboration and communication and showing empathy through responses… That is a different kind of assessment; something that AI at the moment probably can’t give us as best as humans can,” stated Davids.
Delecia Davids, lecturer at the faculty of education at Stellenbosch University, explained how she integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into her own classroom during a recent panel discussion promoting the use of AI in education. VIDEO: Joseph Bracken