Leading Eduvos into the Future of AI in Higher Education.

Post by Eduvos, August 15, 2024.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly used in all aspects of life, Eduvos, a leader in future-facing higher education, is embracing AI in its teaching methods. 

This is being done by our dedicated Design & Future Learning team, under the leadership of Dr Mine de Klerk. Dr de Klerk is helping Eduvos embrace AI and other modern technologies into our curricula ethically and sustainably.  

“Our students rightly demand more flexible and future-oriented learning. To meet this demand, we must not only adopt new technological solutions but also continually evolve our approach to curriculum design,” she explains. 

Before joining Eduvos, Dr de Klerk spent over a decade immersed in various digital transformation initiatives in higher education at Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town. Her work in devising and implementing hybrid learning strategies, at a public university equipped her with the insights needed to navigate the organisational shifts required for institutions to adapt to a rapidly changing educational landscape.  

Her academic journey, which includes an MBA and a PhD with a research focus on digital technology-mediated learning, has prepared her well for the complexities of her role at Eduvos. These experiences enabled her to approach her work from multiple perspectives: business, academic, technological, and, most importantly, student centric. 

Dr de Klerk is a strong advocate for the integration of AI in higher education. She believes that the rapid emergence of generative AI has profound implications for the future of students. The AI market is projected to reach $407 billion by 2027 and has already had a profound impact on the job market. 

“In higher education, it is our responsibility to enable students to thrive in an AI-transformed world. We cannot afford to be passive at this moment – we must embrace the potential of AI to effectively guide our students,” she asserts. 

Her critical optimism about AI reflects a balanced view. While acknowledging the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with AI, she emphasises the importance of responsible and ethical usage. “If we use AI responsibly and ethically and are aware of its limitations, we can still achieve amazing things with these tools.” 

Vossie-Centric AI Strategy 
At Eduvos, the approach to AI is rooted in our Vossie-first approach which ensures Eduvos staff and students benefit from AI. 

Dr de Klerk highlights that the AI-related strategy comes from a place of care. “We care deeply about our students and our staff. So, we have to support them to navigate a world that is profoundly changed by these massive AI-related developments,” she says. 

This guiding principle ensures that we remain focused on providing the best possible support to our community as they adapt to the changes brought about by AI. It is predicted that AI could displace 400 million workers worldwide. Eduvos understands that we need to equip our students and staff with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate this new world. 

Breaking Barriers as a Woman in AI 
Like many STEM fields, AI is dominated by men. This has the potential to become problematic. 

A study by the Berkeley Haas Center for Equity, Gender and Leadership found that about 44 percent of them showed gender bias, and 25 percent exhibited both gender and racial bias. It is therefore important to promote women and people of colour in the AI space to ensure that diverse voices are represented. 

In a field traditionally dominated by men, Dr de Klerk’s leadership as a young woman in AI and technology is both inspiring and indicative of the changing times. She observes that educational technology in South Africa is notably populated by brilliant women, contrasting with the global trend. “We are witnessing an exciting shift towards more diverse representation across all demographics. This feels like a healthy trend: History has shown that diversity of perspectives fosters innovation,” she remarks. 

To further encourage female participation in tech and AI, Dr de Klerk advocates for creating open spaces for dialogue where diverse perspectives are valued. “With AI especially, we’re all inherently ignorant. But we can still ask the difficult questions, share new ways we’re using AI, air our concerns – each input helps us ‘muddle through’ the uncertainty of how to navigate new tech,” she explains. 

A Vision for the Future 
Under Dr de Klerk’s leadership, we are poised to make significant strides in integrating AI into our educational offerings. Her commitment to fostering a supportive, ethical, and forward-thinking environment ensures that both students and staff are well-equipped to navigate and thrive in an AI-driven world. As Eduvos continues to evolve, Dr de Klerk’s influence will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of higher education in South Africa and beyond. 

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