HOW AI IS CHANGING THE FACE OF EDUCATION

Welcome to the future of education! The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought about a revolution in the education system. Artificial intelligence profoundly impacts the education system, and its transformative potential is gaining widespread recognition. With the integration of AI into classrooms, students and teachers can experience a significant shift in how they learn and teach.

AI-powered tools can personalize the learning experience for each student, catering to their individual needs and providing tailored learning paths. By analysing student performance data, AI can create custom data-driven learning paths to ensure that students are challenged at their level and can progress at their own pace. This tailored approach can provide a more authentic learning experience for students. Teachers can also leverage this information to improve and customize their teaching strategies.

Let's look at how AI is used in classrooms today. Imagine a classroom where students can access a personalized learning platform that adjusts to their needs in real-time. Teachers can track their student's progress and customize their teaching strategies based on data-driven insights. This level of engagement is possible with the help of AI. Students can use AI- powered tools to check their grammar, spelling, and syntax. These tools can also suggest ways to improve the clarity and coherence of their writing. Students can also use AI-powered tools to analyze large datasets and extract insights.AI can enhance students' creativity. For example, students can use AIpowered tools to generate artwork, music, or poetry. These tools can provide new ideas and inspiration. Finally, AI can be used to help students with problem-solving. Students can use AI-powered tools to analyze complex problems and find solutions. These tools can also help students learn how to think critically and systematically. Introducing and mass adopting such technologies in our country could greatly assist with our quality teacher shortages. Fewer quality teachers would be able to meet the needs of many students by focusing on custom learning paths.

Schools worldwide recognize the importance of teaching coding and robotics from an early age. From grade R to grade 9, South African schools are busy preparing to teach students the basics of programming and how to build robots. They are developing fun and engaging ways to teach concepts like computational thinking, sequencing, loops, conditionals, variables, and debugging. These skills are essential for problem-solving, critical thinking, and

XOLISWA

MAHLANGU, HEAD OF DIGITAL LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY, ON THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION innovation and can benefit students in various subjects and careers. Robotics involves programming a physical robot to perform tasks and can be a great way to engage students in handson learning. In addition, robotics can help students understand the practical application of coding and provide opportunities to collaborate and develop teamwork skills.

The benefits of teaching coding and robotics are numerous. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning skills. They become more creative and innovative in finding solutions to complex problems. They also learn computational thinking, which can be applied to various fields of study. Moreover, students learn to work in teams, fostering collaboration and teamwork skills. This move is helping to prepare students for the demands of the future workforce.

At university, AI can play a significant role in assisting students with their academic work. With AI-powered tools, students can receive personalised feedback on their assignments, ensuring they are on the right track. AI can also help students identify areas where they are struggling and provide targeted support.

AI can also assist graduates as they begin their job search. By analysing their resumes and online profiles, AI can help graduates tailor their job applications to specific roles, increasing their chances of landing a job. In addition, through personalised learning platforms and training programs, AI can help graduates develop skills and knowledge.

C-level executives can leverage the power of AI in their skills development programs. AIpowered tools can help identify skills gaps and provide personalised training to their employees. This can improve productivity, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction, benefiting both the employee and the organisation. AI can be used to map skills across the organisation, identifying skills gaps and areas where training is needed. This can help organisations prioritise training and development programs that will have the most significant impact. They can create new custom skills programs that use the power of AI to assign new hires to the correct mentors and projects based on data collected about them.AI can be used to create adaptive assessments that adjust to the individual's level of knowledge and skill. These assessments can provide immediate feedback, and personalised recommendations for improvement.AI can be used to create gamified learning experiences that make learning more engaging and enjoyable. By incorporating game elements, such as rewards and competition, AI can motivate individuals to learn and develop new skills.AI can be used to predict future skills requirements based on industry trends and changes in the labour market. This can help individuals and organisations prepare for the skills they will need in the future.

Government can improve education using AI by investing in technology and teacher training. Providing teachers with the necessary tools and training can help students develop the skills needed to succeed in the future workforce. Officials can also leverage AI to create personalised learning paths for students and improve access to education for students with disabilities or language barriers.

In conclusion, AI is changing the face of education, and its benefits are numerous. Students are experiencing a more personalised learning experience, and teachers can leverage AI to provide a more engaging and authentic learning experience. The introduction of coding and robotics as subjects in schools is helping to prepare students for the future workforce, and AI is assisting students at the university level and beyond. Clevel executives and government can also leverage AI to improve skills development and education accessibility. Organisations, governments, and educators can leverage AI to enhance skills development, job readiness, and accessibility to education. As we look to the future, AI has the potential to revolutionise the education system, and we must embrace its transformative potential. It is an exciting time to be a student, a teacher, and a member of the education community. The future is bright, and AI is leading the way!

Xoliswa Mahlangu is a selfproclaimed Tech Fairy and experienced software engineer who heads digital learning and technology for the Sifiso Learning Group. She is passionate about demystifying coding and robotics for kids of all ages. Xoliswa has taught computing across a number of phases, spoken at numerous youth and women in tech events, mentored several young people, and developed a curriculum for computing for grades one to eleven for the group. She is responsible for implementing EdTech solutions and training teachers as they start on their coding and robotics journeys. She holds a Master of Engineering focused on Software Engineering.