Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Workshop Illuminates Future of Learning

The Faculty of Science and Technology successfully hosted a groundbreaking two-day workshop on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Higher Education, from August 22 to 23, 2024. The event, themed “Exploring Potential, Impact, and Risks in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education,” was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). 

The workshop was officially inaugurated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (AFP&D), Prof. Eunice Githae, who underscored the importance of responsibly embracing AI in education. In her opening remarks, Prof. Githae stated that Universities must motivate students and faculty alike to use AI in ways that prioritize critical thinking and analysis responsibly. She added that as we embrace these technologies, our education policies must evolve to accommodate and regulate the use of GenAI. 

The workshop featured a variety of engaging keynote presentations, panel discussions, and group presentations, all centered on the integration of GenAI in higher education. Notable presentations included:

  • Challenges in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Solutions Utilizing GenAI (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, Claude) by Dr. Moses Thiga, who discussed the challenges educators face today and how GenAI can offer innovative solutions.
  • Success Stories on the Use of GenAI by Dr. David Mugo, which showcased real-world examples of successful GenAI implementations in educational settings.
  • Specific Areas of Generative AI Applications in Teaching STEM by Dr. Edna Too, where she examined the specific applications of GenAI in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Frontiers in Generative AI in STEM, a discussion that explored the future potential of AI in STEM education and its implications for both students and educators.

Participants also took part in group discussions and presentations, fostering a collaborative exploration of how GenAI can transform teaching and learning in higher education. The workshop concluded with a collective call for universities to adopt responsible AI practices, ensuring the benefits of these technologies are maximized while mitigating potential risks.

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