The newly established North-West University (NWU) AI Hub is hitting the road to bring artificial intelligence (AI) sessions to all three campuses of the university.
This is done in conjunction with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Education and Training in South Africa (TELIT-SA) and the newly formed Digital Academy.
The road show’s first stop is going to be the Vanderbijlpark Campus on 19 February at the Big Lapa, followed by die Potchefstroom Campus on 20 February at D'Vine Ven'U - Building H4, NWU Potchefstroom Campus (Dampad Dining Hall) , and then the Mahikeng Campus on 21 February in Room 261, Building A1. All three events will take place from 11:00 to 13:00.
According to Prof Anné Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub, one of the main purposes of this initiative is to communicate the multitude of important information relating to AI and the NWU.
“AI brings huge challenges, but also fantastic opportunities for universities. Some people are afraid of it, while others are embracing it. The NWU, like most universities globally, decided to embrace AI in an ethical and responsible way. What this means exactly is something we need to work out together as we experiment and get more exposed to AI. We also need to put guidelines and policies in place and many of these things have been done. However, we need to communicate and discuss this with all staff, and therefore we decided to have AI information roadshows. We hope to communicate all the AI initiatives that are already taking place at the NWU. For example, we have developed an AI literacy course for students, which we will demonstrate, and we are working on one for academic staff as well. We also have excellent courses in place to help students to use AI in an ethical manner. Communication about all these initiatives, training opportunities and AI information is the first goal. The second is to hear from staff what concerns, questions and needs they have regarding AI. This will help us to work more focused on AI-related matters at the NWU.”
Verhoef further explains that it is imperative for discourses surrounding AI to continue to take place at the NWU, as this technology is an inseparable part of the university’s fabric already.
“AI is going to be part of the future. We cannot wish it away, especially not at universities. We need to think together how universities should change to stay relevant in an AI era. AI is not a threat, but a unique opportunity. The challenge is, however, how to incorporate it meaningfully into our curriculums, our modules, our degree programmes and our day-to-day work and administration.”
Important upcoming AI events are:
- 17 February: Launch of the AI for academic and career success course for students on eFundi. This will be a self-paced online course that will focus on educating students to use AI responsibly in the academic environment.
- 19 to 21 February: AI information roadshows will take place on each campus. We will showcase the courses that have been developed, as well as the website with all the resources. We will also market AI training and events, including the newly established Digital Academy.
- 28 February: The first AI lunch and learn (brown bag lunch) of the year will be held. Prof Liandi van den Berg will be the speaker. These monthly events will be organised by CTL and will focus on new AI developments.
- 17 to 18 March: The Digital Futures Symposium will take place on the Vanderbijlpark Campus. This event will be followed by workshops for faculties, researchers and CTL staff (train the trainers).
- 7 April: Launch of the AI literacy course for academic staff. We are finalising the development of this course under the leadership of CTL. This course will be an online self-paced course specifically developed for academic staff at the NWU.
- April to July: The AI Hub will partner with CTL to provide faculty-specific training for faculties, TL schools, or research units. This training should be requested by the faculties and schools, and we will assist in identifying suitable faculty experts with the training. Training for students will also be available, and training about the ethical and responsible use of AI.
