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TVET delivery: providing innovative solutions

by James Keevy, KellyShiohira, Raymond Matlala and Patrick Molokwane. Volume 3 of 'New qualifications and competencies for future-oriented TVET'

Understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on skills development

Artificial intelligence has produced new teaching and learning solutions that are now undergoing testing in different contexts. In addition to its impact on the education sector, AI is substantially altering labour markets, industrial services, agriculture processes, value chains and the organization of workplaces in particular. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) contributes to sustainable development by fostering employment, decent work and lifelong learning. However, the effectiveness of a TVET system depends on its links and relevance to the labour market. As one of the major drivers of change, there is a need to better understand the impact of AI on labour markets, and consequently on TVET systems. In certain middle- and higher-income societies, artificial intelligence is already deeply immersed in legislation and governance, policy, state expenditure, the private sector and national economies. In these cases, TVET institutions are presiding over the ‘hollowing out’ of intermediate level skills and the direct integration of AI into education and training. Contrastingly, many TVET institutions have yet to form meaningful or robust responses to technological shifts. Regardless of context, all TVET institutions should develop an understanding of the current and future importance of AI and begin to incorporate its use into their planning. Forward thinking and, where possible, pre-emptive action, will put TVET institutions and their graduates in a position to thrive in the era of AI and contribute positively to economic, social, and individual development.

Unlocking the Power of Data

A review of the state of readiness of the post-school education and training sector in South Africa for enhanced data interoperability.

Grade R Mathematics and Language Improvement Programme Partners

Grade R Mathematics and Language Improvement Programme Partners

An op-ed by Zaahedah Vally

UNESCO-UNEVOC virtual conference: Artificial Intelligence in education and training

A considerable amount of attention has been placed on Artificial Intelligence, its impact on innovations in various sectors, and its implications for the transformation of the workforce and the labour market. Many of the professions that will most likely be affected by labour market transformations brought about by AI are linked with technical and vocational education and training. These changes mean that institutions must offer a changing set of skills – including digital and transversal skills – to students in order to ensure students’ continued employability. An education system which is responsive to labour market demands will incorporate AI both in its own systems and in the education and training provided to students. This report captures the outcomes of the virtual conference on the future of TVET teaching and learning that took place from 11 to 15 November 2019.