In a world of rapid technological change, how can we ensure that the benefits of digital education are accessible to everyone? Are we read to embrace these changes in African higher education? This presentation explores the role of diversity and inclusivity in shaping the future of digital learning in Africa

1. Embracing Diversity and
Inclusivity in a Digital Age: Is
Africa ready for new forms of
hybrid teaching and Generative
AI for future learning? "
Rita Kizito :r.n.kizito@utwente.nl

2. • Pre-Covid-19, half of the world’s children
unable to read a simple text by the age of
10.
• School closures deepened pre-existing
learning disparities due to inequities in
access to technology.
• To overcome barriers that limit the potential
benefits of digital learning, solutions
suggested included the use of Digital and
blended learning anchored in a sound
pedagogical approach.
“Digital Learning for Every Child Closing the Gaps for
an Inclusive and Prosperous Future” (2021)
Pre and post Covid 19

3. Africa's Readiness for Blended/hybrid Learning and
Generative AI
Infrastructure
Access to and availability of digital infrastructure and technological devices
varies widely across Africa.
Diversity
The lack of diversity in digital education materials can negatively impact the
educational experience for African students.
Inclusivity
There is a need for more resources and training for teachers to provide
equitable educational opportunities for all students.

4. HOW can we embrace
the digital disruption ?
Are we ready?
In a world of rapid technological change, how can
we ensure that the benefits of digital education are
accessible to everyone?
This presentation explores the role of diversity and
inclusivity in shaping the future of digital learning in
Africa as follows:
1. Introduction to the main concepts
2. Importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity
3. Use the analogy of a mosaic to describe the
African digital landscape and how diversity and
inclusivity can shape future digital learning.

5. Blended learning vs Hybrid Learning
For this presentation, I use the terms “ blended
learning “ and “ hybrid learning”
approaches interchangeably even though
there are scholars who differentiate between
the two in terms of flexibility, interaction,
personalization and collaboration.
Both approaches involve teaching or
educational delivery that utilizes a
combination of the more traditional, in-person
teaching in combination with technology-
supported tools and platforms.

6. Generative AI for future learning – the latest obsession!
Promises and potential for..
• Personalized Learning
Deliver learning content that is tailored
to individual learner needs.
• Automated Assessment
Provide more efficient and less time-
consuming ways of assessing learners, by
providing real-time feedback and
continuous improvement opportunities.
• Greater Access
Help bridge educational gaps by
providing educational opportunities for
learners with less access to qualified
teachers.
• Emergent Technologies
Enable new and more advanced
technologies, creating innovative and
exciting educational possibilities for the
future.
Do we want to
augment or replace
human teaching ?

7. Why is it important to embrace diversity and inclusivity?
Richer Learning Environments
Bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives leads to a
greater sharing of ideas and increased creativity. This requires a genuine invitation to all
individuals to participate in the teaching and learning enterprise ( Cara, 2011).
Compelling Solutions
When diverse groups collaborate, they are more likely to identify and address problems
from multiple angles, leading to more innovative solutions. We need problem solvers of the
future who have inter, trans and multi- disciplinary mindsets and can find new solutions to
existing challenges ( Creamer, 2005).
Social Responsibility
Building inclusive education systems that welcome all individuals promotes social cohesion
and strengthens communities both locally and globally ( Smith et al., 2021).

8. • Uniquely shaped and
coloured, with each piece
representing different
cultures, languages, and
experiences.
• When brought together,
they form a beautiful,
coherent picture of what
digital learning in Africa
could look like.
Africa's Digital Mosaic

9. The Historical
Framework
• A rich educational
history,
• Oral traditions,
• Community gatherings
• Wisdom shared under
the baobab tree.
The Digital
Evolution
Transition from
traditional learning
methods to the
incorporation of
technology and
the challenges
and opportunities
it brings
Meeting of two worlds

10. Some key challenges in implementing
Hybrid/Blended Learning and Teaching in Africa
Teacher Training
Many teachers may require
training to develop a proper
understanding of how to use
technology for hybrid teaching
effectively.
Some of the barriers include
increased workload and time
devotion for instructors, lack of
pedagogical and technical
skills, and difficulty in finding the
right blend between face-to-
face and online
( Okaz,2015).
Infrastructure
Advanced technology requires
access to a stable power supply
and high-speed internet, which
may not be available in all parts
of the continent.
Access to online learning is a
challenge ( Jones & Lau, 2010)
Photo: Eva-Lotta Jansson
Classroom Conditions
Teachers may need to adapt
their teaching strategies to more
crowded classroom conditions
or a lack of devices per student.

11. Successes of blended and hybrid learning
• Increased interaction and communication opportunities, motivation, opportunities to
voice opinions, and reinforcement of learning for students ( Maroop & Envi, 2016).
• Blended learning has been seen as a way to make learning more interactive and
motivating, especially in response to the challenges of diversity, gender, cultural, and
personality differences among students ( Prinsloo & Van Rooyen, 2016).
• Is essential for distance education institutions to remain relevant in an increasingly
contested market ( Gedik et.al., 2012).

12. The current digital
landscape
• Mixed Bag of Connectivity: There are disparities in
access across urban and rural areas, and
between affluent and less privileged regions.
• Local Innovations Rise: Some African edtech
startups, mobile learning platforms, and other
local solutions tailored to the continent's unique
needs.

13. • Language: with over 2000 languages, we can't
ignore linguistic diversity. How can digital platforms
improve multilingualism support?
• Culture: it is now possible to integrate cultural
narratives and indigenous knowledge into digital
content to make it more relatable.
• Different abilities: we can try to ensure that digital
learning resources cater to all, including those with
disabilities.
The Diversity we hold is in the Mosaic pieces

14. The grout – the
role of inclusivity
• The grout in a mosaic: in
a mosaic, the grout holds
all the pieces together. In
our African digital
mosaic, inclusivity is the
grout. It binds the diverse
elements and ensures
every piece is
represented and
supported.

15. • Digital infrastructure: we
cannot underestimate the
importance of building
robust and widespread
connectivity to ensure
inclusivity.
• Affordability and
accessibility: We need to
think of new solutions and
initiatives to make digital
learning accessible to all,
regardless of socio-
economic status.
Empowered Learners
When education is made more accessible, students
of all backgrounds can increase their knowledge
and skills, advancing their careers and lives.
Increased Innovation
When diverse people come together, they can
generate new ideas and opportunities to create
impactful innovation.
Stronger Communities
An inclusive approach to education promotes social
cohesion and strengthens communities both locally
and globally.
The Potential Impact of embracing
diversity and inclusivity in a Digital
age in Africa
not forgetting

16. Re- assess the challenges and opportunities using educational lenses
We need to create our own learning materials using what we have but also
investigate that can create its own learning materials, adapting to individual
student needs and providing personalized feedback.
Re-examine the way we teach and how students learn
How can we use the latest technologies to create more engaging and
interactive learning experiences, improve accessibility, and increase efficiency
in education?
Research and Development
Work constantly to improve existing technologies and generative AI for future
learning, exploring new ways to make education even more effective and
equitable.
What do we need to do ?

17. Re- assess the challenges and opportunities using educational lenses
We need to create our own learning materials using what we have but also
investigate that can create its own learning materials, adapting to individual
student needs and providing personalized feedback.
Re-examine the way we teach and how students learn
How can we use the latest technologies to create more engaging and
interactive learning experiences, improve accessibility, and increase efficiency
in education?
Research and Development
Work constantly to improve existing technologies and generative AI for future
learning, exploring new ways to make education even more effective and
equitable.
What do we need to do ?

18. Assembling the Mosaic – a way forward
• Collaborative Frameworks: Establishing
partnerships between universities, government
entities ,NGOs, and private entities.
• Localization: Prioritizing local content creators and
educators in creating digital resources.
• Training and Capacity Building: Equipping
teachers and educators with the skills to navigate
and utilize digital platforms efficiently.

19. Envisioning a completed mosaic
• Empowerment: where every individual, irrespective of their
background, has access to quality digital learning.
• Economic Growth: A skilled and digitally literate workforce
driving innovation and progress.
• Unity in Diversity: A continent that celebrates its diversity while
leveraging it for collaborative growth and mutual
advancement.

20. • We should not leave anyone
behind.
• Embracing diversity and
inclusivity in education and
utilizing the latest technology
can help us build vibrant,
prosperous, and more
equitable communities in
Africa and beyond.
Conclusion

21. Africa's digital learning mosaic is still in the making. But with a shared
vision of diversity and inclusivity, we can complete it, ensuring that the
future of digital learning in Africa is bright, colorful, and inclusive of all
its pieces.
The unfinished mosaic
Is Africa ready for new forms of hybrid teaching and
Generative AI for future learning? "
Thank-you Rita Ndagire Kizito :r.n.kizito@utwente.nl

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