Reflecting on the 5th Summit on Teaching with Technology

By Marina Khoza – Junior Lecturer: Applied Learning and Research Department

On 24 and 25 April 2024, I attended the 5th Summit on Teaching with Technology, hosted by Mangosuthu University of Technology. The conference was centred on how institutions of higher learning should respond to advancements in technology, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational spaces. The conference was a beneficial learning experience for me and the rest of the training staff team at the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) as it shed light on the transformative potential of AI in education and offered insights into integrating these technologies effectively, especially in the short courses and other courses we offer at the College.?

The conference highlighted the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt to technological advancements. The COVID-19 pandemic has already accelerated the adoption of online learning, and now generative AI tools are projected to reshape educational practices further. Discussions emphasised that AI can revolutionise education by personalising learning experiences and providing real-time feedback to students, thus improving their quality of work and understanding of complex content.?

Dr. Crawford, one of the keynote speakers at the conference from the University of Tasmania (Australia), discussed the importance of maintaining critical thinking skills and creativity in an era dominated by AI. Dr Crawford warned against over-reliance on AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Grammarly, which, while beneficial for improving writing, should not replace fundamental skills like research and independent thinking.?

The insights gained from this summit will be invaluable at the SAWC. This conference has inspired innovative methods for assessing students and equipped us with strategies to address plagiarism and the use of generative AI. By adopting a balanced and thoughtful approach to integrating AI, we can enhance the educational experience at the College and prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.?

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