This was the underlying sentiment by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Professor dr Amon Murwira at the just-ended Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Artificial Intelligence Symposiums which was held at the Management Training Bureau in Harare.
The Minister encouraged institutions of higher learning to not just be users of Artificial Intelligence but also creators of AI tools that answer Zimbabwean needs and concerns.
“Institutions of higher learning must not be saying AI is upon us but rather that they are both users and participants in the development of AI algorithms. Algorithms or mathematical methods of finding logic and answers that result in certain patterns coming out is what AI is all about.
“It is therefore imperative for institutions of higher learning to create their own AI tools that meet their concerns and needs. Our aim is to bring in efficient delivery of human needs through processes of artificial intelligence,” said Prof dr. Murwira.
BUSE Vice Chancellor Prof Eddie Mwenje expressed the importance of academics being developers of AI technology in teaching and learning practices.
“AI is here to stay and it is incumbent on us as academics to develop AI tools that allow for effective teaching and learning in our respective institutions. Even when it comes to practical assessment of our students, we have to develop new systems that incorporate AI for the benefit of our students to be relevant to the modern world of work.”
Delegates at the symposium applauded BUSE for taking the lead in discussing artificial intelligence in tertiary education.
Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) CEO, Prof Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo said the AI dialogue must continue beyond the symposium.
“I applaud BUSE for taking the lead in a very complex discussion on the place of AI in higher education. This conversation must continue beyond this symposium and as ZIMCHE we are fully behind BUSE on this.
“It is important for academic professionals to be trained in the existing AI tools related to teaching and learning and to incorporate them into academic processes,” said Prof Dzvimbo.
Other speakers at the symposium include Stellenbosch University’s AI in education expert Dr Kudzayi Tarisayi, Netherlands’ Windesheim University of Applied Sciences circular economy and AI expert Prof. dr. Gertjan van Stam as well as BUSE’s resident AI expert Prof dr. Ronald Manhibi.
