FEATURE: EDUCATION create 170 million new positions, Jammine added that the challenge here for South Africa is to ensure that its education system aligns with future job demands.
According to Dr Jammine, AI literacy and digital adaptation are critical for future graduates. In fact, the World Economic Forum’ s Future of Jobs survey for 2024 points out that the demand for abilities like analytical thinking, resilience and adaptability will outweigh technical skills alone, he said, stating that AI’ s ability to provide personalised learning, automate grading and enhance accessibility can be used to improve education outcomes.
However, concerns over issues such as job displacement, data privacy, technology dependence and the depersonalisation of education must be addressed. Institutions must prepare for AI integration in a way that enhances learning without diminishing the human element, he said.
Dr Jammine’ s final statement was that, by understanding the implications of AI on higher education, South Africa can work to harness the potential benefits of AI, while, at the same time, minimising its risks and negative consequences.
Key discussions revolved around AI, digital transformation, infrastructure challenges and the broader economic implications for South Africa.
Technology as a disruptor
Professor Crouch and Datacentrix Group CEO, Ahmed Mahomed, opened the session by sharing insights on the rapid integration of technology in education, using Sol Plaatje University’ s initiative to equip 7,000 students with notebooks as an example. Crouch emphasised the increasing role of AI, likening it to the disruptive impact of the pandemic.
in training both students and faculty to ensure effective use of digital platforms.
• Community expectations: Universities are increasingly expected to contribute to local community development through knowledgesharing and technological support.
Crouch then highlighted Sol Plaatje University’ s shift towards a delocalised university model, which leverages technology to deliver education across multiple learning centres – when and where it is needed – such as those planned by the university for Upington and other areas.
Opportunities and challenges
One of the pivotal discussion points at the Datacentrix Indaba was that AI presents both opportunities and challenges for the education sector. On the positive side, it enables the automation of administrative tasks, adaptive learning through intelligent tutoring systems, and AI-driven career services. In addition, AI-powered
Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Economist, Econometrix
The pandemic forced institutions to fast-track digital strategies, and while this came at a cost, it also led to significant advancements in remote learning and digital readiness.
Crouch and Mahomed outlined key challenges in higher education, including the following:
• Security and budget constraints: The high cost of maintaining state-of-the-art infrastructure while keeping up with technological advancements.
• Skills scarcity: A shortage of high-level technical skills required for digital transformation.
• Digital literacy gaps: While students are assumed to be digitally savvy, universities must invest
ONE OF THE PIVOTAL DISCUSSION POINTS AT
THE DATACENTRIX INDABA WAS THAT AI PRESENTS
BOTH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE
EDUCATION SECTOR.
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