(AGENPARL) – gio 12 ottobre 2023 PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 October 2023
CUT hosts the 8th Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference
The Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) hosted the 8th Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference under the theme, ‘SoTL and transformation: Responding to changes in educational policies, curricula, and pedagogies in Higher Education’.
The conference is an engaging platform offering the opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and practices in teaching and learning. This conference represents an opportunity to engage with like-minded academics, researchers, and practitioners in merging existing learning challenges within the Higher Education sector.
CUT Acting Deputy-Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Sam Mashele, expressed that higher education is facing a disorienting dilemma. “When we look at higher education today, we face several challenges. We are aware of artificial intelligence 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. Things have changed, and we’ve got to interrogate and investigate teaching and learning.
Dr Trudy Sutherland from the Vaal University of Technology 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. 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. Ensuring fair access and addressing biases are essential. Professional development for educators Is crucial to leverage Al effectively,” said Dr Sutherland.
Prof Micheal van Wyk from the University of South Africa delivered a keynote address titled, ‘Generative-AI in Education: From a critical perspective lens, how are we addressing ethically “ChatGPT” as the robot in the cloud’. “Embrace today’s educational Al systems judiciously. Use them to learn as much as possible about Al. But remember that today’s Al is merely the start. The future is using Al to build the intelligence infrastructure to reform how we value our own human intelligence radically. But with the hype of ChatGPT over the past 12 months, three major issues about the “chatbot in the cloud” must be addressed. Firstly, Scientific integrity and empirically sound evidence ChatGPT and other LIMs are in infancy—secondly, ethical considerations such as privacy and data security and the lack of transparency. And lastly, quality assurance of the product being used,” recommended Prof van Wyk.
Prof Elizabeth Ivy Smitfrom, the North-West University, focused on ‘SoTL and Transformation: Responding to changes in Educational Policies, Curricula and Pedagogies in Higher Education’, which recommended focusing on motivation for both students and lecturers, support for academics regarding time and resources, recognition, the mandatory aspects (DHET, Faculties, Schools, Programme through KPA/KPI, incentives, accelerated technological support, social justice, and ethical issues.
The two-day conference saw academics come together to explore the latest research findings, best practices, and transformative approaches in pedagogy for student learning to inspire and build communities of practice in response to student learning needs.
Caption: The 8th Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference was held at CUT under the theme, ‘SoTL and transformation: Responding to changes in educational policies, curricula, and pedagogies in Higher Education’.
About CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier Hotel School and leading research and innovation platforms, e.g. world-class medical product development through 3-D printing technology.
For more information about CUT, visit http://www.cut.ac.za.
END…/
For media-related information contact
Kind regards,
Ms Seithati Semenokane
Journalist / Media Relations Specialist
Communications & Marketing
Resources & Operations
Vision 2030
The Central University of Technology. Shaping the future through innovation
as a leading African University of Technology.