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Technology and the Namibian Education System

• 6 Months Ago - 2023-11-01 10:33:00

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the education system has been a topic of both excitement and apprehension. As technology continues to evolve, the education landscape is also adapting to harness both the potential benefits and challenges that AI presents.
In Namibia, with a large divide between urban and rural areas, the introduction of AI in education is not without its complexities. Namibia, like many other countries, has experienced the initial stages of AI integration within its education system.
Science tutor, Dr Eva-Pandi Beukes, highlighted the prevalence of AI tools being used by teachers and students, albeit not yet on a high level.
“AI brings with it a range of potential benefits to the education system. One key advantage is its ability to assist teachers in various capacities,” she said, adding that automated grading and assessment tools can alleviate the burden of manual grading, allowing educators to focus more on personalized instruction. “This is especially relevant in a country like ours, where class sizes can be overwhelming for teachers.”
Additionally, AI-powered tools can adapt to students' individual learning needs, enabling personalised learning experiences that cater to different abilities and learning styles.
While this can be beneficial to the sector as a whole, the challenges can’t be ignored.
“One of the most immediate concerns when AI is introduced in education is the fear of increased cheating and academic dishonesty,” Beukes said. She explained that students might attempt to exploit AI tools for shortcuts and plagiarism, and that educators need to establish clear guidelines and mechanisms to prevent such misuse.
“We should also remember, especially for younger students, that AI can’t replace the essential role of human interaction in education. Human teachers provide critical elements such as empathy, social development, and critical thinking that AI lacks. A purely AI-operated education system would risk hindering students' holistic development.”
Access to technology and the internet is a major concern, and providing electronic devices and reliable internet connectivity to all students, especially in rural areas, poses a significant challenge. Teachers and educators should also be equipped with the skills to effectively incorporate AI into their teaching methods and also be able to interpret AI-generated data,” she said.
As AI continues to develop, it has the potential to enhance educational experiences, personalise learning, and bridge gaps in access to resources.
However, careful consideration must be given to the ethical implications, the preservation of human interaction, and the accessibility of technology. The lessons learned from the early stages of AI integration will guide educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in shaping an education system that effectively leverages technology while ensuring the development of students in Namibia and beyond.