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IUIU Holds workshop on the use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

• 17th August, 2023 5:36pm
• 3 minutes read

The Islamic university in Uganda has held a workshop on the use of artificial intelligence in higher education to highlight the integration, opportunities, future of AI in teaching, and challenges associated with artificial intelligence in higher education institutions.

The workshop attended by academic and non-academic staff from all campuses of IUIU both online and physically has been held today Thursday the 17th of August 2023 under the theme ‘’How artificial intelligence influences the quality of teaching and Learning of the 21st century higher education institutions’’.

While delivering the keynote speech, the Vice Chancellor Nkumba University Proff. Jude Lubega Commended the administration of IUIU for organizing the event.

‘’Technology will keep advancing rapidly in all sectors including education and so there’s a need to move and try to adapt to whatever has been developed’’

Proff, Lubega said that AI is not very new but has just become more advanced than before.

He also urged institutions to use AI capabilities to support inclusivity amongst students and teachers and integrate it into higher learning through Adaptive Learning which includes data mining and optimizing course offerings to customize students' learning experience, Virtual Classroom - technologies such as Virtual Reality, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, and Augmented Reality are reforming the teaching Smart Classrooms.

Proff. Lubega added that Teaching Evaluation - AI models are now embedded in LMS to monitor and evaluate teaching and learning, Smart Campus - Sensor recognition technologies are vital Learning Analytics School Management Systems in the building of smart campuses e.g., computer vision, NILP models.

Lecturers were encouraged to utilize 24*7 access to Learning with Al-driven Digital Learning, students can learn anywhere, anytime where Every learner is free to plan their schedule, rather than being linked to a specific place only Inclusiveness. Assistive Technologies particularly assist PWDs in better understanding their course material e.g., voice recognition and speech synthesis, Generating Smart content with Al - used to prepare content to be perceived in new ways of visualization, simulation, web-based study environment, keeping information up to date, and make it adaptable as per different learning.

Dr. Twaha Kasule Director of IUIU Kampala Campus also urged IUIU members to Exploit opportunities by Identifying = specific use cases where Al can add value, such as personalized learning, predictive analytics for student retention, automating administrative processes, or supporting research endeavors, Providing training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

Involve students in the process by seeking their input and feedback on Al-driven tools and initiatives, Re-invent the university for lifelong learning, and also Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your institution's current technological infrastructure, data capabilities, and the readiness of faculty and staff to embrace.

Dr Jamil Serwanga the vice-Rector of charge of academic affairs at VRFA commended members for their commitment to attend the workshop.

‘’ There is a need to move forward with adjustment in technology available and also Ensure that we  innovate as far as education is concerned and ensure Personal commitment to keep relevance in the field.’’ 

Dr Jamil reiterated the Need to help each other and learners to adjust appropriately to work with AI which is new to most people.

‘’Development is a gradual process but with commitment, we shall be able to reach there.’’ He added

Lastly, the vice Rector requested the director of Quality Assurance IUIU to develop a matrix to implement the use of AI at IUIU.