When AI Replaces Effort: The Silent Cries in South African Classrooms

A recent trending story on Facebook alleged that more than 1,200 matric learners wrote their full names on their scripts instead of their assigned exam numbers. This revelation shocked many, raising concerns about how simple instructions continue to be a challenge for some learners. Yet, perhaps this should not come as a surprise. South Africa struggles with low literacy levels, with over 80% of fourth graders unable to read for meaning. It paints a worrying picture of what to expect in regards to future university intakes, and farther along, their work readiness.

Thanks to the accelerated growth of the COVID 19 Pandemic, various AI tools have mushroomed, making learning easier and more efficient. But has it really?

UNDERSTANDING AI IN EDUCATION.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform complex tasks traditionally know to be obliged to by humans. In the education sector, this is known as Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd). Such systems are used to recommend learning materials based on a learner’s needs and preference, assess and provide performance feedback, identify learning trends, among other functions.

While other countries are integrating AI at impressive speeds, South Africa still grapples with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and it’s rapid advancements that integrating AI tools into this sector is not a trickle, but a drop. Many institutions are facing challenges like overcrowded classrooms, shortage of textbooks and inadequate access to practical learning facilities such as ICT laboratories.  Given the conditions, implementing AIEd will be a mammoth task to execute.

CAN AI TOOLS TRULY HELP SOUTH AFRICAN LEARNERS?

Let’s imagine Mzansi overcoming it’s infrastructural challenges and beginning to adopt AI systems in schools. Would these tools bring detriment or distinctions in learning? Some schools have already taken strict stances against technology misuse. Langenhove Gymnasium in Oudyshoorn, for instance, celebrated one year since banning cellphones on school premises. Teachers and Administrators reported significant benefit including an improved focus in class, and better interpersonal communication among learners.

 Across the country, educators have fought inflating faults made by learners, such as reclining attention span, poor social engagement, and a rise in anxiety and depression, all linked to excessive screen time. AI systems, which depends on vast pools of online data, can sometimes exacerbate these problems. Learners may take AI-genersted responses at face value, resulting in shallow understanding, detaching them from their actual learning material.

Instead of engaging deeply with academic content, many rely on tools like Meta AI or ChatGPT to provide ready-made answers. This habit encourages plagiarism, weakening comprehension skills. When learners depend entirely on AI to complete assignments, they fail to develop critical thinking and analytical abilities that are essential for their academic and professional success.

THE UNIVERSITY AND WORKPLACE IMPLICATIONS.

If learners continue along such a path, what will happen once they enter higher education? The introduction of hybrid and online learning during the pandemic was initially hailed for a moment. From its use by students, new forms of academic dishonesty emerged.

An article published by The Guardian (UK) posits that graduates’ over reliance on AI tools produces a bottleneck towards presenting their original, critical work. This concern concurs with the South African context where matriculants are required to meet the 40-40-30 pass criteria. Can these metrics produce students equipped to meet university demands, or become leaders with capacity in the workplaces, if a basic assignment can’t be completed without the assistance of AI?

Employers increasingly value candidates with strong problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. AI can never be  a substitute of these abilities. For example, no chatbot can guide a surgeon in an unforeseen medical mishap or assist an engineer in making an unhesitant decision when a system fails. AI can provide information, but if cannot replicate human judgement or ethical reasoning.

RESPONSIBLE USE OVER DELENDENCE.

Learners need to understand that their cellphones, and the AI tools within then, will not be available during mid-term and final examinations. While it has enormous potential in education enhancement, it’s improper use undermines learning outcomes. It is how these tools are used that bears fruit.

Instead of asking AI to simply provide answers, learners should use it to guide their disquisition. Rather than typing “solve for ×,” they should ask the system to explain how to solve for ×. This approach strengthens comprehension, promoting independent learning.

Bronagh Hammond, the Western Cape Education Department’s Communications Officer, emphasised the importance of responsible technology use: “learners must be cognisant of the implications of their irresponsible use and need to be accountable for their behaviour.”

Her statement reinforced an essential tool: AI is meant to support learning, not stand in it’s place. It is a tool established for the enhancement of knowledge acquisition and not do the thinking for the students. When used wisely, AI can help develop more stern analytical and research skills. When abused, it does the opposite, eroding curiousity, independence, and integrity.

MOVING FORWARD

As South Africa forgets ahead with navigating it’s educational challenges, one fact stands out: technology cannot substitute the value of learning in a classroom with a present teacher. The responsibility lies upon both educator and learner to reach an equilibrium from embracing innovation and preserving the essence of human intellect.

The rise of AI in education presents both a challenge and opportunity. It pins us into recalibrating teaching and learning, presenting also the opportunity to make education more inclusive, adaptive, and efficient—when used properly.

Ai is here to stay. Whether it becomes a catalyst for growth or a shortcut to mediocrity depends entirely on how responsibly we choose to engage with it.