Educator Urges African Teachers to Embrace Artificial Intelligence
In a recent webinar titled ‘Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,’ Anthony Oguntoye, an assistant principal at Greensprings School, urged African educators to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) instead of simply watching and worrying about the new technology. Oguntoye, a renowned and award-winning educator, emphasized that learning about AI and incorporating it into teaching methods could lead to greater efficiency in education.
Oguntoye acknowledged the progression from traditional teaching tools like chalkboards and audio-visual aids to computers and digital technology, and now to the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence. He explained that AI-powered tutors, personalized learning platforms, automated grading systems, adaptive learning algorithms, and intelligent virtual assistants can optimize learning experiences to suit the needs of individual students.
To fully embrace AI, Oguntoye highlighted the importance of adopting the necessary mindset among educators. This includes accepting change and recognizing that strategies and methods constantly evolve. He encouraged focusing on the strengths of AI while working to address its weaknesses and prevent its misuse.
Furthermore, Oguntoye emphasized the need for educators to teach students how to intelligently use AI instead of abusing it. For example, he suggested guiding students in creating prompts for chatbots to enhance their learning exercises and utilizing AI to generate useful flashcards for revision purposes.
Oguntoye’s expertise in education is highly regarded, with numerous awards from esteemed institutions such as Cambridge University Press, Assessment, and Suraasa (International Teachers’ Olympiad).
By embracing AI in education, African teachers can enhance their teaching practices and equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the increasingly technology-driven world. As AI continues to shape various industries, it is crucial for educators to stay proactive and ensure that African students are prepared for the future.
