From the Desk of Our CEO May 2024: AI In Education – The Future of Learning

Good day readers,

In my previous letters, I reflected on the past month and shared how my experiences learned during that period will help both myself and UNi4 Online progress. Today, I want to look ahead and discuss the future of online education, particularly with the advent of AI.

Many sectors, including education, are undergoing significant changes due to AI-powered adaptive learning. This innovative approach is transforming how students learn and helping them thrive in the modern technological world they were born into.

Growing up in a technological world has many benefits, and I believe these will continue to expand. Imagine a world where every student has a personal tutor, tailoring lessons to their unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. That is the promise of AI-based adaptive learning. By using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, these systems analyse vast amounts of student data to create personalised learning paths. From my observations and discussions, this future is nearing a reality. One which I aim to implement at UNi4 Online.

The era of one-size-fits-all education is over. UNi4 Online has been a leader in flexible online educational services. With AI-powered adaptive learning platforms offering real-time feedback, targeted interventions, and engaging content, it is only a matter of time before this becomes the standard, particularly within our institution.?

To explain AI-powered education further, let us look at it in the following manner: the system identifies knowledge gaps in a student’s work and curriculum and provides additional resources until mastery is achieved and concepts are thoroughly understood.?

However, AI should not be viewed solely in the context of educational purposes, but rather as an online educational companion. What do I mean by this, and how does a student benefit from AI? The relationship between a mentor and mentee has long been noted for its ability to bring out the best in the budding apprentice. Since the days of Philip of Macedon, who sought the services of Aristotle to tutor his son Alexander the Great, we have seen the impact a great tutor can have on a student. In the modern era, Artificial Intelligence can assume the same role. Inquisitive minds now have an outlet to learn, explore, communicate, and be guided by a system that enables them to learn at their own pace. Leaving a student behind due to time or resource constraints leads to frustration and, more tragically, a student not fulfilling their potential. AI bridges the gap that several students face in their quest for excellence, providing them with a digital companion on their phone, tablet, or laptop, just a click away and ready to assist them at a moment’s notice.

It is important to note that educators will also gain from the insights generated by these AI systems. By tracking individual and group progress, teachers can optimise their teaching strategies, allocate resources more effectively, and provide timely support to those who need it most. This increases efficiency, especially for teachers managing large numbers of students — a challenge we have faced in South Africa for years with poor teacher-to-student ratios.

Looking ahead, AI-powered adaptive learning is set to democratise education, making high-quality learning accessible to all students. With advancements in natural language processing, computer vision, and augmented reality, these systems will become even more sophisticated, personalised, and engaging.

I am excited about these advancements and assure you that UNi4 Online will continue to lead in introducing progressive, flexible online learning methods, such as AI-powered adaptive learning, now and in the future.

As I sign off, I wish you all a prosperous and progressive future.