While tech takes centre stage, the human element of teaching will never be lost and will always be celebrated (October 2024)

Over the past five years, the global approach to education has faced significant disruption, with technology becoming a massive influencer in models that have focused on the delivery of education in a specific way for centuries. World Teachers Day, celebrated on 5 October, not only pays homage to teachers and the sacrifices they make to influence the minds of future world and economic leaders, but it is increasingly becoming a celebration of their openness to change and their adaptability in a disrupted world.

The signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill is a statement of intent that South Africa is looking at its own education system and how legacy challenges can be addressed. With the world increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)- based learning models into the development of education, will South Africa follow suit?

MANCOSA believes that while AI learning models will become increasingly influential in the future, a balanced approach needs to be adopted regarding integration.