The opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and practices in teaching and learning was embraced during the 8th Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference. This was hosted by the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State.
The event took place on 12 October under the theme, “SoTL and transformation: Responding to changes in educational policies, curricula, and pedagogies in higher education”.
Representatives of the CUT, the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the North-West University (NWU) attended.
Presentations were shared with like-minded academics, who range from researchers to practitioners, in merging existing learning challenges within the higher education sector.
Prof. Sam Mashele, acting deputy-vice chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the CUT, said that higher education was facing a disorienting dilemma.
“When we look at higher education today, we face several challenges. We are aware of artificial intelligence (AI) and so many other things, so when you stand in front of the class, a student can fact-check you right then. They have that resource in their hands, and the question then becomes what the role of the professor and the lecturer in higher education is now.”
Dr Trudy Sutherland of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) delivered a keynote address titled: “Unleashing the power of AI: Transforming education for quality learning, assessment and sustainability”.
“AI can potentially enhance teaching, learning, and assessment while promoting sustainability. Responsible AI integration can lead to more effective and equitable educational systems that prepare students for a sustainable future,” she said.
“The integration of AI in education holds great promise. It enables personalised learning, adapts teaching methods, and provides timely student support, promoting inclusivity and catering to diverse learning needs. Ethical considerations and equity must guide AI integration in education.”
