The University of Rwanda has called on educators, researchers and policymakers to rethink the future of education as artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies continue to transform the way people learn and work.
The call was made by Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana, Director General of the University of Rwanda’s education-related faculty, during the fifth international conference of the Technology-Enhanced Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development (TELLS) project.
The conference brought together universities from Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia and Norway to discuss ways of strengthening higher education and lifelong learning to support sustainable development.
Prof. Nsanganwimana said the rapid growth of AI requires education systems to adapt so that they remain relevant to the needs of learners and society.
“How can we transform education so that it remains relevant, inclusive and responsive to what people need in a world undergoing major technological changes, including artificial intelligence?” he asked.
He said the discussion should go beyond simply introducing technology into classrooms and focus on how education can prepare learners with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Focus of the meeting
The main aim of the TELLS meeting was to strengthen collaboration among universities and education stakeholders from the participating countries while exploring innovative approaches to technology-enhanced higher education and lifelong learning.
Participants discussed how digital technologies can be used to improve teaching and learning, expand access to education and equip students with skills that respond to changing labour-market demands.
The conference also provided an opportunity for researchers and academics to share experiences, research findings and practical approaches to using technology in education.
The partnership involving institutions from Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia and Norway seeks to promote stronger cooperation in higher education while contributing to sustainable development through improved learning opportunities.
Preparing education for the future
The growing use of AI is increasingly forcing education institutions to reconsider traditional approaches to teaching, assessment and skills development.
For Rwanda and other African countries, discussions around technology-enhanced learning are particularly important as universities seek to expand access to quality education while preparing young people for economies increasingly driven by digital technologies.
The TELLS initiative therefore provides a platform for institutions to work together on solutions that can make higher education more inclusive, innovative and responsive, while ensuring that technological progress contributes to sustainable development.
The conference underscored the need for continued collaboration between universities, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that education keeps pace with technological change rather than being left behind by it.
