Bridging Ethics, Equity, and Innovation in Higher Education

BY: .

The second Innovations in the Science of Teaching and Learning (ISoTL) conference took place in Durban and brought together a wide range of teachers, researchers and practitioners.

The event, hosted by the UKZN University Teaching and Learning Office and the University Capacity Development Programme, focused on the intersection of ethics, equity and innovation in Higher Education.

Professor Nyna Amin, Interim Director of Teaching and Learning at UKZN, set the tone for the conference by asking participants to address long-standing issues in education. Amin challenged participants to ‘rethink education for the future,’ while addressing the deep-rooted challenges that have existed for decades.

Extending the argument, Professor Thabo Msibi, UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, encouraged participants to find innovative solutions to complex educational challenges. The theme of reshaping education for the future was a common thread throughout the event, as speakers addressed the rapid changes that are influencing the landscape of Higher Education in contemporary times.

This call to action was illustrated by the presentation from Professor Punya Mishra of Arizona State University, regarded as the leading institution for innovation in the United States. Mishra addressed the complexities of education in the age of generative AI and offered a sobering perspective, warning that AI is ‘not a truth machine and not an oracle.’ Furthermore, he demonstrated, with multiple examples, the biased nature of generative AI. He emphasised that while generative AI offers powerful tools, it is not infallible and works within existing societal structures, including systemic inequalities. Mishra’s insights emphasised the need for critical thinking when integrating new technologies into education.

Language and its role in education was at the centre of Professor Langa Khumalo’s keynote address. A world-renowned linguist, Khumalo explored the critical importance of preserving and developing African languages in Higher Education, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. His lecture emphasised the inextricable link between language, thought and innovation.

Ms Sukaina Walji, from the University of Cape Town, explored how these technologies could change the dynamic between learners and teachers. This forward-thinking approach was balanced by discussions on current challenges and opportunities in Higher Education presented by Ms Mandisa Cakwe.

Separate sessions delved into specific topics ranging from the role of human creativity in music education amidst AI advancements to pedagogical skills in teacher education. These discussions provided participants with practical insights and theoretical foundations that they can apply in their respective fields.

At the end of the conference, there was much for participants to consider. The event succeeded in stimulating a dialogue on how Higher Education can manage the complex interplay of ethics, equity and innovation in an increasingly digital and globalised world. It challenged educators to think critically about the future of learning and teaching and emphasised the need for adaptability and collaborative problem solving in the face of rapid technological and societal change, while addressing the persistent issues that have long challenged the education sector.

Words: Nyna Amin

Photograph: Albert Hirasen