As technology continues to transform every facet of our lives, education is on the cusp of a revolution. The integration of AI into the classroom is not just a passing trend; rather, is a shift that will define both the future of learning and the workforce.
At the forefront of this shift, a progressive institution is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. Centennial Schools has taken on the challenge of introducing learners to the ever-evolving technological advancements and preparing students for the working world by including AI as a central point of its curriculum.
Students not only learn about the technology, they also gain an understanding of how to use it to create new solutions and drive innovation. They are taught in-demand technical skills like coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
Shaun Fuchs, educator, entrepreneur and Centennial Schools founder, believes that the traditional education model has remained unchanged for far too long, and is churning out largely unemployable matriculants who lack the essential skills needed for today’s economy.
“Given our ever-rising rate of unemployment, it is clear that young South Africans cannot rely on the formal sector for employment. The education system has a critical role to play in supporting our increasingly skills-intensive labour market by better-matching supply and demand.”
A key advantage of AI in education is its ability to serve as a personalised tutor, even offering support outside the classroom. Tools like ChatGPT can help students with complex topics by providing explanations and examples, guiding them through problem-solving processes, and offering feedback on assignments.
Another advantage is that AI’s role in education extends far beyond tutoring: When used correctly, it has the power to complement traditional teaching methods and can automate administrative tasks such as grading and lesson planning, thus freeing up educators to focus on the more human aspects of learning, like creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Yet another critical aspect is that the use of AI in education comes with ethical responsibilities. Fuchs notes that it is imperative for students to learn how to use AI, and also how to question it. They must know how to evaluate the information that AI provides, understand its limitations, and recognise potential biases, bearing in mind that, while AI can provide quick answers, it is not a substitute for critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
By integrating AI into the classroom, Centennial Schools is helping to ensure that the next generation of students is equipped with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. “This is the moment to do things differently. The potential of AI in education is immense – but only if we use it wisely,” says Fuchs.