Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is urging school heads to fully adopt new and emerging technological innovations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in order to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving education sector.
Addressing heads at an AI workshop, Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, emphasised the importance of embracing AI, stating that it has transformed the education sector globally, and that no school should be left behind.
Mr Gabaza highlighted that AI presents an opportunity for educators to rethink, reform, and realign their practices to meet the needs of a modern, knowledge-driven, and innovation-oriented society.
The workshop sought to equip school heads with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively integrate AI into their schools, ensuring that the education system remains competitive and prepares learners for the challenges of the 21st century.
By embracing AI, educators can enhance teaching and learning processes, improve learners’ outcomes, and foster a culture of innovation and creativity in schools.
“The introduction of Artificial Intelligence has indeed brought our education system to a defining juncture. It represents both a new opportunity and a challenge, a chance to rethink, reform and realign our practices to the needs of a modern, knowledge-driven and innovation-oriented society.
“The AI reform has opened a new chapter in our education system. It seeks to deepen the link between learning and life, between school and industry, and between education and national development. It reminds us that our learners are, not merely candidates for examinations, but citizens in the making, equipped to think critically, innovate and solve problems in real contexts.
“Among the merits of AI include its potential to promote competency-based learning and practical skills. The opportunity for curriculum relevance – connecting theory with the realities of daily life and work. Its encouragement of learner creativity, collaboration and innovation,” said Mr Gabaza.
Mr Gabaza, however, noted concerns that advanced information, communication and technology teaching is still facing some challenges in a number of schools due to lack of critical enablers such as infrastructure, electricity and capital to acquire gadgets such as laptops and tablets.
He challenged headmasters to convince their school development committees to invest in ICT-compliant infrastructure at their institutions.
“However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that accompany any major transformation which include the need for adequate teacher capacitation to effectively deliver the new demands of AI, resource constraints, especially in ICT, infrastructure and learning materials, and the transition fatigue that often accompanies change when systems are not yet fully aligned,” he said.
He challenged the school leaders to be dynamic and adaptable to the changing world to be able to remain abreast and relevant to the demands of the new world, but emphasised that adoption of new technologies should remain guided by the dictates of the heritage-based curriculum. “As educators, we must take the path that keeps our profession dynamic and transformative. We must move from mere knowledge transformation to skills transformation, from routine teaching to creative facilitation, from compliance to commitment. We need to reflect on our teaching approaches, our assessment systems, and our partnerships with communities and industry. The AI framework should not be seen as a burden, but as an opportunity to redefine what quality education means in our education.
“Education has always been about adaptation and renewal. Each generation of educators faces its own crossroads, and it is at such points that the true strength of our profession is tested. Let us therefore seize this moment with courage and clarity. Let AI not be a stumbling block, but a stepping stone toward a more relevant, inclusive and transformative education system,” said Mr Gabaza.
