AI in the Classroom: An Opportunity, not a Threat
The Great Teachers Workshop (GTW), hosted by the Academic Development and Support (ADS) unit, was recently held in Windhoek. Lecturers came together to reflect, share, and innovate - all with the goal of creating more engaging and effective learning experiences for students.
Dr Colen Tuaundu, the Director of ADS, identified a key challenge many lecturers face: integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching and assessment while upholding ethical standards. “Students are increasingly relying on AI tools, sometimes to their detriment,” Dr Tuaundu explained. The workshop helped lecturers reframe AI not as a threat, but as a powerful ally to enhance content delivery, grading, and research. “AI fosters collaboration, deep learning, and critical thinking, perfectly aligning with NUST’s vision for digital transformation” he said.
For many participants, the workshop sparked a transformative shift. Prof Haileleul Woldemariam, Coordinator of the PhD in Applied Linguistics within the Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education, was one of the attendees. “What inspired me most,” he reflects, “was realising that while AI tools can revolutionise teaching, their impact depends on thoughtful and ethical integration.” Prof Woldemariam now plans to incorporate AI-powered platforms like Perplexity and Consensus to support postgraduate students in refining research questions and analysing data.
Beyond the technology, the workshop underscored a deeper truth: great teaching is grounded in care, ethics, and adaptability. “A great teacher creates an environment where every student is challenged and supported to grow,” Prof Woldemariam affirms.
Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the GTW to include guest lecturers, hybrid formats, and even research paper presentations, transforming it into a regional hub for pedagogical innovation.
