The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been awarded an over R8.1 million ($417,435.49) grant from the European Union to help drive digital transformation in South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The grant was provided by Erasmus+, a European Union programme dedicated to education, training, youth, and sports.
The “Project Pro-TELDE (Promotion of Technology-Enhanced Learning and Digital Education)” initiative, as it’s known, aims to grapple with the opportunities and challenges that have emerged due to the advent of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in the spheres of education and communication.
According to Professor Tankiso Moloi, the Research Chair in 4IR at the Johannesburg Business School, UJ, this project is designed to enhance the abilities of TVET lecturers in business and economics in South Africa. The goal is to assist them in developing digital teaching materials by harnessing open digital resources via technology-enhanced learning (TEL) techniques.
Professor Moloi further emphasized, “Project Pro-TELDE understands the importance of TVET institutions providing their students with the necessary digital skills and competencies to thrive in today’s modern work environment.”
The University of Johannesburg has made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), ranking sixth among African universities for its research contributions in AI. In line with its commitment to AI education, the university announced in December 2022 that artificial intelligence courses would become a compulsory part of all qualifications offered at the institution.
In a further step towards the implementation of advanced technology, the University of Johannesburg has integrated blockchain technology into its certification process. This allows for the issuance of blockchain-based certificates to graduates, effectively eliminating the possibility of fraud and counterfeiting, thus improving the security aspects related to certification.
The University of Johannesburg’s blockchain-based certificates will include a unique QR code specific to each graduate. This feature permits anyone to verify the details on the certificate through a simple scan, adding an extra layer of security to the verification process.
South Africa has demonstrated a consistent commitment to incorporating AI across various sectors. In November 2022, the government launched the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa (AIISA). This institution, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and the Tshwane University of Technology, seeks to promote AI technologies, boost investment in human capital, and equip the nation for a digital future.
In 2023, South Africa was globally ranked fourth for possessing the best educational systems and was deemed the most technologically advanced country in Africa.
Moreover, as of early 2023, South Africa boasted 43.48 million internet users, equating to an internet penetration rate of 72.3% of the country’s population. This digital accessibility further fuels the nation’s advancements in the tech and digital frontiers.
