No one can deny Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising many industries and education is no exception. It is clear that AI’s role in learning is expanding quickly, and AI is already transforming the way we learn and teach. On June 24th & 25th, 2024, in the picturesque setting of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, two innovative minds from @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre – Strathmore University, Maxwell Opondo and Lexi Syoluka, showcased their innovative ideas at the Global Learning Council’s Annual Meeting. This opportunity came after their exceptional performance in the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon, a program by the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre.
Breaking Down Barriers with AI
Maxwell’s Zerobionic aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities by utilising a robotic arm that translates signs and gestures into speech, aiding comprehension. As Maxwell aptly put it, “Why should one be limited to the number of careers and opportunities just because they are living with a disability?”
AI for a Personalized Future
Lexi’s idea, an AI Career Assessment Tool, promises to revolutionise career planning by using advanced algorithms to analyse individual skills, interests, personality traits, and career aspirations. This innovative approach complements Maxwell’s work with Zerobionic, showcasing how technology can enhance both educational accessibility and career guidance. Reflecting on the experience, Lexi said, “It was informative, eye-opening, and provided a holistic perspective on improving education.”
The iBizAfrica Advantage
The @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre- Strathmore University played a vital role in Maxwell and Lexi’s journey. Through its tailored training, hands-on mentorship, and essential resources, the centre empowered them to refine their innovations and prepare for their international debut. This support was crucial in their development, underscoring the importance of investing in local talent.
A Global Platform for Innovation
The Global Learning Council’s Annual Meeting provided a platform for these ideas to be recognized and further developed. The insights gained from interacting with a group of global thinkers and practitioners were invaluable. It was an opportunity to also highlight how African innovators are leveraging AI to tackle pressing educational challenges.
According to a report by UNESCO, over 260 million children are out of school globally, and AI has the potential to bridge this gap by providing personalised learning experiences and addressing diverse learning needs. Maxwell’s Zerobionic and Lexi’s AI Career Assessment Tool exemplify how technology can drive inclusivity and personalised education, aligning with these global trends. Maxwell noted, “The diverse insights were eye-opening and have reshaped my perspective. Seeing young people drive these discussions and enact real change was truly inspiring.”
Both Maxwell and Lexi will now join the GLC Fellowship, receiving mentorship and hopefully mentoring upcoming participants in future annual meetings. This fellowship marks a significant step in their journey to impact the educational landscape.
There’s no doubt that AI offers tremendous potential to enhance learning experiences, improve educational outcomes, and make education more accessible. As AI continues to evolve, the collaboration between educational institutions will be crucial in creating a future-ready workforce for the modern job market.
In the words of Lexi, “The journey has just begun, and the potential for positive change is immense.”
As these young innovators continue to break barriers, their stories inspire us all to envision a more inclusive and equitable future in education.
Article written by Nicole Mudibo, iBizAfrica Incubation Centre