The role of technology in the future of South African education may be simple to define, but it’s not so easy to envisage and make a reality for a number of reasons, not least due to challenges such as the fear of the unknown, cost and privacy concerns.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) entails the rapid incorporation of ever-developing technologies into the workplace, encompassing everything from robots used in manufacturing to the use of artificial intelligence and similar technology in the development of critical content.
ACUDEO College of Schools, however, is making giant strides to empower its teachers with digital abilities and the right skills to drive learning progress and instil confidence and talent in technology within their learners.
The curriculum at ACUDEO embraces technology, AI and automation, preparing learners for the digital revolution, opening doors to endless possibilities. In a world where technological advancements are reshaping industries, it recognises students need to be equipped with the necessary skills to navigate this ever-changing landscape.
“I’m committed to making the broader educational climate of South Africa as inclusive and cutting-edge as is possible by enabling teachers and students alike to unlock their fullest potential,” asserts Michael Dos Santos, ACUDEO’s high school academic co-ordinator.
The process of future-proofing students for the 4IR and indeed anticipated developments beyond is twofold; first, learners need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to form an effective part of their chosen workspace by using technologies appropriately; and, secondly, at ACUDEO, they are helped to develop and master the more critical soft skills that are necessary to be successful in this future working world.
The first process is by far the easiest; by incorporating technologies such as AI and coding/robotics into the classroom, teachers and students are encouraged to embrace AI in lessons such as English, history as well as apply algorithms in subjects such as maths and science.
The second part of this is significantly more challenging – the ‘soft’ (interpersonal) skills that are essential in the 4IR workplace must be specifically cultivated. The process of cultivation begins with modelling appropriate behaviours for interpersonal relations in the classroom by creating spaces for students to practise critical communications and self-evaluation skills.
By incorporating technology and AI education, students are empowered not only to use technology but also to understand its ethical implications and harness its innovation potential.
Equally important are social skills, empathy and emotional intelligence. In a diverse and interconnected world, these skills are essential for fostering understanding, collaboration and effective communication. By incorporating social skills into the curriculum, ACUDEO cultivates well-rounded individuals who can thrive in various social and professional settings.
Says Dos Santos, “In contrast to hard skills that require specific knowledge and technical abilities, soft skills are more intrinsic and interpersonal in nature, often linked to specific personality traits, cultivated without specific intention to do so and difficult to quantify. Some examples of soft skills include time management, attention to detail, strategic thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, social skills and emotional intelligence, to name but a few.”
Innovation can come in many forms and doesn’t necessarily have to involve the direct creation of something, but can involve planning or engaging with content in a different or unusual way.
ACUDEO collaborates with various digital partners (Yenza, Matric Live, Reflective Learning and Resolute Robotics), with each bringing a different level of enhancement to the curriculum.
For example, Reflective Learning uses innovative technology to assess student ability in maths and English. The programme then develops a student-centric pathway for the individual to address any gaps that have been identified. This ties in with ACUDEO’s goal of providing each student with a differentiated curriculum approach that suits their learning style.
Resolute Education provides ACUDEO with a complete ecosystem for the implementation of coding and robotics lessons within the school timetable. ACUDEO began coding and robotics in conjunction with the Resolute Education team two years ago and, says Dos Santos, “This has put us on the front foot when the government made the subject mandatory earlier this year.”
He notes, “Future-ready classrooms using AI vary in appearance and action, depending on the phase and grade with which we are dealing. In the lower grades, we focus on creating collaborative classroom spaces that work with technology to accomplish group goals and simulate the more common aspects of working with the technology in a workplace.”
In higher grades (SP and FET), the focus is on developing ethical use of these types of technologies and learning how to apply them in new situations. Teachers future-proof students by allowing them to explore the ethical and legal concerns around generative AI in a safe and guided way. Students are also encouraged to engage with these technologies on a variety of levels, from basic research to unique content generation.
By encompassing skills from developing actual code to increasing student problem-solving skills, the subject is at the forefront of the development of students who will enter the workplace with confidence in the coming decade.
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