The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof Eli Katunguka, has raised concerns about the unregulated use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the education sector and called for government intervention. Speaking at a press conference on April 20, Prof Katunguka emphasized the need for a policy to moderate the use of AI in education, citing the threat posed by computers being able to outperform humans in certain tasks.
The upcoming STEAM festival, scheduled to take place from April 24 to April 26 at Kyambogo University, aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations and technologies from various institutions and corporate entities. The theme of the festival, “Demystifying Science, Technology and Innovation for community development,” will feature discussions on the applications and implications of AI in education.
Dr. Savannah Nuwagaba, the festival coordinator, highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of AI on education, particularly in assignments where students rely on AI technologies. She emphasized the need for educators to leverage AI opportunities while ensuring that students continue to think critically.
In addition to focusing on AI in education, the festival will also address strategies to reduce fossil fuel dependency and mitigate climate change effects. Discussions will explore ways to extract and utilize oil in a climate-friendly manner, as well as strategies to combat climate change on a global scale.
Furthermore, Kyambogo University has launched a research hub for astrophysics, utilizing satellite data from the country’s recently installed satellite. The university is also working towards training more astrophysicists in the country, aligning with the new curriculum’s inclusion of astrophysics in lower secondary education. The STEAM festival promises to be a platform for innovative ideas and solutions to address current challenges in education and beyond.