AI Observatory: Waypoints & Signals – Issue 7

Reimagining Education Service Delivery with AI

AI is already reshaping the world—and education is no exception. But while the potential is massive, so are the risks. If we’re not careful, AI could deepen inequalities instead of reducing them.

In honour of launching the AI Observatory’s Ministry of Education AI Challenge, this #WaypointWednesdays we are celebrating bright spots of institutions testing and imagining what’s possible in education service delivery with AI.

💡 From South Africa using AI to streamline admin, to East Java training guidance counsellors with AI tools, to UNESCO advocating for future-proof policy—read more to see how organisations around the world are already stepping into the AI era.

East Java: spotting student potential—with AI

East Java, Indonesia has launched an AI-based Talent DNA-ESQ training for guidance and counselling teachers in senior high and vocational schools. This program equips teachers with AI tools to identify and nurture students’ unique talents by analysing their Drive, Network, and Action patterns. This enables personalised guidance that develops academic, emotional, and spiritual intelligence. Parents are also encouraged to use these insights to support their children’s education and career paths. East Java Governor Khofifah called the program “an important investment” to help teachers recognise student potential faster.

Source: https://eastjavatimes.com/training-talent-dna-esq-dimulai-gubernur-khofifah-optimis-guru-bk-berkualitas-mampu-tingkatkan-prestasi-siswa-di-jatim/ 

South Africa: cutting admin, not corners with AI

South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is promoting AI to improve administrative efficiency in universities and colleges. AI tools are being piloted for tasks like student enrolment, attendance tracking, and performance analytics to reduce paperwork and streamline services. A study by Dr. Shahiem Patel and Mahlatse Ragolane highlights AI’s potential to boost educational outcomes and administration but stresses the need to address infrastructure, ethics, and strategy. Successful AI integration requires investment in technology, clear policies on ethics and privacy, and strong strategic frameworks for implementation.

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382577863_The_Implementation_of_Artificial_Intelligence_in_South_African_Higher_Education_Institutions_Opportunities_and_Challenges 

UNESCO: reimagining policy for an AI era

UNESCO emphasises that lifelong learning can align with the digital era and the rise of AI, both in theory and practice. By focusing on self-directed learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, AI can help create learning environments that are inclusive, safe, and ethical. UNESCO calls on policymakers, educators, developers, and learners to work together to harness AI’s potential—while protecting rights and advancing gender equality—through dedicated efforts in policy, research, and practice.

Source: https://thelifelonglearningblog.uil.unesco.org/2024/03/19/lifelong-learning-in-the-age-of-ai/#:~:text=Lifelong%20learning%20and%20advancements%20in,in%20policy%2C%20research%20and%20practice. 

Swipe for a quick take 👇🏽

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We’d love to hear from you! What’s been shaping your thinking on AI? Drop your thoughts (and reading recommendations) over on LinkedIn.