Generative AI Tools in Teaching and Learning: An Enabler to Creating Work-Ready Students in the 4IR

Abstract

Higher education is experiencing a paradigm shift with the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and large language models. This transformative approach is revolutionising education and the world of work and, if harnessed correctly, has the propensity to shape future minds. The study sought to understand academics and teaching and learning (T&L) specialists' perceptions at a private higher education institution (PHEI) in South Africa on how Generative AI tools should be used in T&L to prepare students adequately for the world of work. This qualitative exploratory study purposively selected 40 academics and T&L specialists across ten sites from a PHEI in South Africa. Three themes emerged from the data: curriculum integration, discourse, partnerships and collaboration and training and awareness. To prepare students for the world of work that uses AI, it is important to integrate Generative AI into the curriculum and teaching and learning, considering industry-specific requirements through continuous discourse, partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders. The training and awareness of Generative AI tools are necessary for lecturers and students to understand better how to use Generative AI tools correctly and responsibly.