The Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) recently convened educators and students to reflect on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. The hybrid event which is part of its [monthly] Research Seminar Series (RSS), attracted over 70 participants including IED, EA students, alumni and faculty.
Dr Oluwakemi Olurinola, a renowned researcher and consultant in Educational Technology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, in Nigeria, gave a keynote presentation on the global trends and real-time applications of AI. She emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it is reshaping education today. Dr Olurinola's work focuses on learning science, technology and the application of AI in education. She is widely recognised for her expertise in digital pedagogies and is a global education leader and Master Teacher Trainer.
Dr Olurinola also highlighted the challenges faced by low-income countries, particularly “the lack of adequate infrastructure to support the integration of advanced AI technologies in educational settings." AI can be used in pedagogy, drawing attention to initiatives such as the Educational Development for AI Literacy and Integration Guides (EDAIL). She explained why AI matters in education, detailing the benefits of AI integration and emphasizing the need for educators to be prepared to teach in an evolving digital landscape.
Dr Olurinola also stressed the importance of clear institutional policies regarding the use of AI, noting that while AI tools can support idea generation and content refinement, students must still contribute their own critical thinking and contextual understanding. She added that many academic institutions are already employing AI detection tools to assess the originality of submitted work.
Some of the participants shared their reflections on the session:
Roselyne Gombe emphasized that AI is a present reality that is transforming education and will prompt teachers to rethink traditional approaches. Michael Mae observed that while AI will not replace teachers, educators who are knowledgeable in AI will eventually replace those who are not.
Silvanus Nyelele pointed out how AI is rapidly reshaping the educational landscape, creating new possibilities in teaching, learning, and decision-making. While, Joyce Nabakooza reminded participants that technology can never replace the emotional and human connection that teachers offer through their presence, mentorship, and encouragement.
The seminar concluded with a strong consensus on the need for continuous learning and support for educators on the effective use of AI. It was evident that to remain relevant and impactful, teachers must adapt to technological advancements and adopt tools that align with their educational goals and context. IED, EA reaffirmed its commitment to guiding and empowering educators to thoughtfully integrate AI into their practice, while maintaining the core human values at the heart of education.
