Artificial Intelligence could boost education efficiency
By Michael Rasugu
To date, the conversation around education in Africa has revolved around improving the quality and standard. But as digital transformation continues to sweep across the globe, there’s a unique window of opportunity to fast-forward to a completely revolutionised era of education.
Most countries across the continent are making significant strides in terms of student enrolment and access to education. Nevertheless, there is work to be done to elevate the general level of education. Studies show the average student in emerging countries, many of which are in Africa, performs worse than 95 per cent of those in first-world countries.
There is a huge opportunity, however, for technology to help alleviate many of these challenges. With affordable and manageable technology that transforms classroom time, educators can focus on delivering student-centred learning experiences that result in better learning outcomes.
In fact, research shows that in many cases, curriculums favour an approach to education based on rote learning, which means students are not always exposed to 21st century skills, such as working in teams, problem solving and innovation.
The above skill sets are increasingly becoming more important as automation begins to replace lower-skill jobs. A recent Microsoft study conducted in collaboration with McKinsey & Company’s Education Practice shows that by 2030, the fastest growing occupations will require higher-level cognitive skills in areas such as collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Already as many as 30 to 40 per cent of jobs in growth industries require soft skills.
Although the need for social-emotional skills cannot be over-emphasised, teachers don’t always feel adequately equipped to teach these skills. And to build crucial cognitive, social and emotional skills, educators need training, technologies and time. Yet for many educators across Africa, these resources are often in short supply and barriers, including outdated technology and lack of resources, still need to be overcome.
Technology can play a critical role in helping to overcome these challenges. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI), has significant potential to increase efficiency of education.
Another recent study by Microsoft indicated that technology can free up as much as 30 per cent of teachers’ time, making it easier for them to respond to individual and group needs. Students who receive personalised instruction perform better.
Luckily and unknown to many, AI-enabled tools are easily accessible. Those found in Microsoft Office 365, for example, are available in programmes such as Word, OneNote and PowerPoint, meaning they are free and easy to use.
In addition to lack of time and resources, educators in Africa are also faced with the challenge of teaching very diverse groups of students. AI, however, can help educators empower students with different backgrounds and abilities. In fact, many of the tools and features harness the power of AI to improve reading and writing for learners regardless of their age or ability.
Immersive Reader, for example, helps students with learning differences such as Dyslexia to build reading confidence. Students can use features like Line Focus, which reduces visual crowding and highlights text to improve readability.
On the more sophisticated end of the spectrum, AI can provide educators with greater insight as to how students are progressing so they can adjust their approach, supporting students’ individual needs. This then allows educators to proactively address learning challenges before they become a problem.
Beyond schooling, AI has a valuable role to play throughout the education process as is evidenced by its ability to streamline higher learning functions such as complex research.
Although most countries in the Middle East and Africa are still in the early phase of education technology adoption, governments are embracing it to close education gaps. This is promising. Ultimately, empowering young people to become active contributors to the digital economy will create prosperity.
—The writer is Education Lead, Microsoft East & Southern Africa
