Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key area of discussion as experts seek to establish its true value in spurring sustainable development.
One area where AI is gaining attention is online learning and teaching.
In Kenya, this focus on AI’s potential is exemplified by the attempts to involve Big Tech and startups in harnessing the true potential of AI in the education sector.
Incorporation of AI systems and their guiding policies into the education sector will be critical in shaping how such technology is utilised in the learning and teaching environments.
Schools serve as the foundation for adoption and will significantly influence how AI is applied across other pillars of the economy. To fully actualise this objective, nurturing learners’ research skills is important.
In the school environment, AI is already streamlining operations through data processing and the automation of routine functions. This has allowed educators to improve workflow and save time, particularly on administrative tasks like grading assignments and generating lesson plans.
Incorporating these new-age technologies into teaching and learning will inject dynamism and personalisation into the whole process of how knowledge and information are acquired and disseminated.
With the shift to Competency-Based Education, tailoring instruction to individual student needs is crucial. To this end, intelligent platforms can assess students’ strengths and weaknesses in real time and generate customised learning paths.
Adaptive systems, for example, can provide targeted exercises to help struggling learners catch up while simultaneously challenging students to get better in multiple learning areas.
In practice, whether formally streamlined or informally integrated, both teachers and learners are incorporating smart technology into lesson planning, research, and assignments.
For this reason, stakeholders must actively engage at this stage of technological adoption to ensure it is being used effectively. Beyond enhancing learning outcomes, streamlined AI integration will also contribute to the sustainable development aspirations for education.
While the benefits continue to be uncovered, stakeholders must remain alert to the risks posed by unchecked use, especially in an era where the interaction with learning materials is increasingly digitised. It is crucial to cultivate a healthy relationship with technology—one that promotes balance rather than misuse or overuse.
Educators should emphasise practices such as designated ‘tech-free’ periods during the day, encouraging students to disconnect and engage in activities that build emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
This revolution is not merely about mastering machines; it is about consistently applying human judgment, creativity, and empathy to leverage technology in meaningful ways.
For Africa’s next generation, this often-overlooked balance could make all the difference in achieving academic excellence and building successful careers.
Besides technical fluency, today’s learners must develop healthy technology boundaries—skills that go beyond limiting screen time to include the ability to critically assess when and how to engage with digital tools.
Fact-checking, analytical thinking, collaboration, and attention to detail remain essential when interacting with AI-generated content, which, like any other data, must be evaluated for accuracy and relevance.
Educators can support this by incorporating reflective exercises that guide students in assessing whether a task is better served by speed and automation or by original thought, empathy, and ethical reasoning.
Encouraging learners to pause and ask these questions nurtures a mindset where AI enhances rather than replaces human judgment.
When students consistently practice this discernment, they not only gain greater control over the digital content they consume but also sharpen traits such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability that today’s world demands.
Importantly, these practices are not just aspirational as they are already shaping real classroom experiences. At Makini Schools, we have AI driven academic support systems such as ADvLEARN to support personalized, data-driven learning.
The platform is currently in use across our Makini Schools campuses, supports learners in suggesting personalized learning activities, and providing instant feedback, which allows teachers to offer personalized support and maintain a clear grasp of each learner's progress.
By prioritizing healthy tech habits and essential skills development, we equip learners not only to meet the demands of today but to navigate life’s pivotal moments with confidence.
As the digital era continues to evolve, African students have a unique opportunity to emerge not only as tech-savvy professionals but also as well-rounded individuals capable of shaping the future.
