• The global educational technology (EdTech) market is one of the fastest growing and developing markets in the world, with projections indicating it could reach $605 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%^[1].
• According to the World Economic Forum, by 2050, more than 40% of employment opportunities are expected to be based on an AI-human centric model.
• While AI will automate certain tasks, it will also create new jobs that require human oversight, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

26 November 2024: The role of technology in the future of South African education might 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 AI and similar technology in the development of critical content.

At ACUDEO College of Schools, however, they are making giant strides to empower their 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 their learners for the digital revolution, opening doors to endless possibilities. In a world where technological advancements are reshaping industries, they recognise their 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 Coordinator.

The process of future proofing students for the 4IR and indeed anticipated developments beyond is two fold; 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 which 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, they empower students 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, they cultivate well-rounded individuals who can thrive in various social and professional settings.

Says Dos Santos, “In contrast to hard skills which 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,” he adds. 

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 which have been identified. This ties in with ACUDEO’s goal of providing each student with a differentiated curriculum approach which 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.” 

Notes Dos Santos, “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 which 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.

For more information, visit https://www.acudeo.co.za.