Kehdinga GF, THEORISING MACHINE LEARNING AS AN ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY (2).pdf (288.1 kB)
Theorising machine learning as an alternative pathway for higher education in Africa.
journal contribution
posted on 2021-11-29, 12:38 authored by Dr. Kehdinga George FomunyamMachine learning technology is currently a new frontier for higher education globally,
and the African higher education system needs to change in tandem with this
technological trend in order to combat challenges faced by the system. These
challenges include lack of institutional research to discover new knowledge,
unfavorable methods of instruction, especially the language conflict, access to education
for marginalized and isolated communities, high dropout rates, depleted infrastructure
and unavailability of resources, overpopulated classrooms, and a biased grading system.
This paper discusses alternative machine learning solutions to these challenges faced by
the African higher education system, in order to ensure that students develop the skills
needed to thrive in this digital era. Findings reveal three key technological solutions
that can provide alternative solutions to these challenges, and they include
customized/personalized learning, predictive analytics and digital administrative
management, and virtual assistance. This paper concludes that for Africa, Catching up
with the world goes beyond adopting these new innovations to facilitate learning.
Recommendations include rethinking the content of the African curriculum, developing
an unbiased education system, and adopting a suitable medium of instruction.