Promoting social inclusion through AI integration in higher tertiary institutions: A South African perspective

Abstract

This study explores Artificial Intelligence’s potential in promoting social inclusion in South African tertiary institutions. Despite advancements in expanding access to higher education, historical disparities continue to exclude marginalised groups from accessing equal opportunities in education and human capital development. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a promising avenue to bridge this gap by enhancing accessibility, promoting personalised learning, and streamlining administrative processes. The study adopts a desktop literature review to explore how AI-powered tools can leverage intelligent assistive technologies, personalised learning experiences and automated administrative tasks that reduce bureaucratic barriers to enhance physically challenged students’ accessibility and address their diverse learning styles and needs. Despite the potential benefits of AI tools, challenges such as the digital divide, infrastructure constraints, AI bias, cultural sensitivity, and institutional capacity persist to hinder massive adoption. The study recommends infrastructure development, digital literacy programs, culturally sensitive AI design, and capacity-building initiatives for educators to fully harness AI's potential for social inclusion in higher education institutions. The study contributes new knowledge to the ongoing discourse on AI-driven social inclusion in higher education. It emphasises opportunities and challenges prevalent in South Africa. Hence, the study demonstrates how leveraging AI can foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment