A GNA feature by Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani (Bono), Feb. 19, GNA – Teachers have the enormous responsibility to mould and shape the next generation of leaders.
However, executing this responsibility is often done under difficult conditions of having to cope with large class sizes, limited teaching materials, and increasing curriculum demands, amid advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Globally, AI is rapidly transforming industries, and the education sector is no exception.
Conversations
In Ghana, discourses around use of AI in classrooms are growing steadily with the fear that the technology can probably replace teachers in the near future.
However, experts see AI as a friendly partner that supports teachers to improve quality teaching and learning outcomes. In fact, AI tools can strengthen classroom instructions rather than reduce the responsibility of the teacher.
Benefits
With the required infrastructure, the use of AI will improve the nation’s education system by personalising learning, tracking performance, and providing instant feedback.
These tools can adapt to individual learning speeds, help both fast and slow learners and assist meet teacher-student ratios.
That can be achieved because effective and efficient use of AI can handle routine assessments and thereby offer extra explanations after classes hours.
Embracing AI
Mr Philemon Gyabaa, the Senior Assistant Registrar at the Sunyani Technical University, an AI instructor and the Founder of Persevera AI Solutions, urged teachers to embrace AI to remain relevant in the technological age.
He said: “AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance teaching, not as competition,” explaining that teachers could apply AI for lesson planning, grading and classroom management.
Tools like intelligent tutoring systems, speech-to-text programmes and automated quizzes
can save time and allow teachers to focus more on mentoring students and encouraging creativity. He said AI could also be used to analyse learning patterns and help teachers tailor lessons to different needs.
“The narrative that AI will replace teachers misses the real story,” Mr Gyabaa stated, explaining that the technology is a tool that extends the teacher’s reach, gives them more time, creativity and insight.
He said the AI support could be transformative in the country as teachers could design lessons timely, using platforms like MagicSchool, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Twee.
Digital Divide
Mr Gyabaa stressed that for AI to make a real impact, equal access to digital tools and training remained essential and called on the government and stakeholders to invest in ICT infrastructure.
Teachers must also be provided with regular digital literacy training, saying that AI could help close the long existing gap between urban and rural schools.
Mr Gyabaa said professionals were leveraging AI training to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge to and to remain relevant.
Hence teachers who form the foundation of training in society should not be left out of the process but rather be seen as the frontrunners in improving teaching and learning.
Mr Gyabaa highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in expanding AI access across the country.
Future Mr Gyabaa said he believed that the classroom of the future would not replace human teachers but rather equip them with powerful tools “to do more in less time,” stressing that AI could possibly reduce workloads.
It can also inspire creativity and improve learning outcomes, and as the nation reforms her education system, there was the need to embrace and integrate AI tools as well, Mr Gyabaa said.
Way forward
In fact, AI will not replace the empathy, inspiration, and moral guidance that teachers
provide in moulding up the next generation of leaders responsibly. It’s a supportive assistant that improves classroom outcomes and with the required support, training and infrastructure, AI can help teachers bid in transforming classroom lessons and better prepare students for a digital future.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/ Christabel Addo