The European Union has granted the University of Johannesburg (UJ) more than R8.1 million ($417,435.49) to aid in the digital transformation of South Africa’s Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Erasmus+ is an EU programme that supports youth, education, training, and athletics; it is the source of the grant.
In an effort to address the advantages and disadvantages that have arisen as a result of the introduction of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools into the fields of education and communication, an initiative dubbed “Project Pro-TELDE” has been launched.
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Professor Tankiso Moloi of the Johannesburg Business School, UJ, who holds the Research Chair in 4IR, claims that the goal of this project is to improve the skills of business and economics instructors in South African technical and vocational education programmes. Our aim is to provide them with the necessary tools to create digital teaching materials by utilising technology-enhanced learning (TEL) techniques and making use of open digital resources.
Project Pro-TELDE recognises the significance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions equipping their students with the digital skills and competencies needed to succeed in the contemporary workplace, Professor Moloi added.
Among African universities, the University of Johannesburg ranks sixth for its research contributions in artificial intelligence (AI), a field in which it has made considerable progress. In keeping with its dedication to AI education, the university declared in December 2022 that all degrees offered by the school would include artificial intelligence courses.
Steps UJ has made
The University of Johannesburg has upgraded its certification procedure by incorporating blockchain technology, marking yet another advancement in the use of cutting-edge technology. This paves the way for graduates to receive certificates backed by blockchain technology, which greatly enhances certification security by removing the possibility of fraud and counterfeiting.
A one-of-a-kind QR code will be attached to each graduate’s blockchain-based certificate from the University of Johannesburg. Adding an additional safeguard to the verification process, this feature enables anyone to scan the certificate and confirm its details.
Incorporating AI across various sectors has been a consistent commitment in South Africa. The AIISA, or Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa, was established by the government in November 2022. Together with the University of Johannesburg and the Tshwane University of Technology, this institution aims to promote artificial intelligence technologies, increase investment in human capital, and prepare the country for the digital future.
When it came to educational systems and technological advancement, South Africa was named the best African country in 2023 and ranked fourth in the world.
Additionally, as of early 2023, 72.3% of South Africa’s population had access to the internet, with 43.48 million users. More and more, the nation’s technological and digital frontier advancements are being propelled by this digital accessibility.
About the University of Johannesburg
Among South Africa’s most prestigious universities, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been around since 2005. The Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University, Rand Afrikaans University, and Technikon Witwatersrand were among the many institutions that merged to form it. University of Johannesburg provides an exciting and culturally diverse learning environment in the heart of South Africa’s economic hub, Johannesburg.
UJ has earned a stellar reputation for its dedication to cutting-edge study, groundbreaking research, and civic engagement. A broad variety of arts, humanities, science, engineering, business, health science, and law-related undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programmes are available. An important part of the university’s mission is to educate students to think critically and creatively across disciplines so that they can successfully face the challenges of the real world.
Learning, research, and innovation flourish in UJ’s environment thanks to its cutting-edge facilities, world-class faculty, and robust industry partnerships. Graduates should be able to think critically, solve complex problems, and compete successfully on a global scale; this is the school’s stated goal.
By participating in community engagement initiatives, UJ helps advance society and improve people’s lives. The mission of the university’s outreach and partnership programmes is to improve the lives of people all over the world.
As it moulds future leaders and makes substantial contributions to the progress of knowledge and society, the University of Johannesburg shines as an example of academic brilliance and social responsibility.