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As artificial intelligence increasingly reshapes classrooms around the world, South Africa is being urged to take a balanced approach that embraces innovation without sidelining ethics, accessibility or the role of teachers.
Conversations about AI in education have intensified globally in recent months, with some Scandinavian countries moving to reduce screen time and reintroduce traditional textbooks after concerns about excessive digitalization in schools, declining concentration levels and literacy challenges.
Ethical AI adoption could reshape learning in South Africa, expert says
But education and technology experts say the debate is not about abandoning AI altogether. Instead, the focus is increasingly on how schools integrate these tools responsibly while protecting academic integrity and improving outcomes for learners.
Against that backdrop, local technology consultant Helm believes South Africa has an opportunity to use AI to close long-standing education gaps, particularly in under-resourced communities where overcrowded classrooms and unequal access to learning supports remain major barriers.
Jean van Grunen, Helm's chairman Customer Officer, believe that Center Needed Now step From whether aye belongs to In classes To How it can do Happen Presented responsibly.
'AI will not replace teachers, but teachers who use AI effectively will be able to provide richer, more personalized learning experiences.' He said.
'The question now is not whether South Africa should adopt AI in education, but how we do it ethically, equitably and in line with our developmental needs.'
The growing urgency around AI in schools is because students are already adopting the technology faster than many institutions can regulate it.
International surveys highlighted by Helm point to a growing gap between AI use and formal guidance.
One US based study found that most parents believe AI skills will be important for future careers, yet many feel schools are still lagging behind when it comes to integrating these tools into the curriculum.
apart global student research It also found that university students are already regularly using AI-powered platforms in their studies.
Van Gruenen cautioned that schools cannot ignore this trend: 'Students are already engaging with AI, often with little understanding of its capabilities or limitations. 'Schools need to offer structure, support and clear rules so that learners use AI for deeper learning, not shortcuts.'
The role of AI beyond the classroom
Education experts say the greatest value of AI may lie in personalization, helping learners move through content at their own pace, while giving teachers better visibility into where students are struggling.
according to south african business affairsAdaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems and automated feedback tools are increasingly being deployed as support systems rather than replacements for traditional teaching.
Helm recently explored similar technology through his work smartstartWhere an automated assistant in 11 languages was launched to help reduce administrative pressure on teachers.
Van Grunen explained that the overarching goal is to free teachers from repetitive administrative work so they can focus more on classroom engagement and learner support.
'When teachers can redirect their time toward human connection, creativity, and classroom engagement, everyone benefits. AI should enhance the role of the teacher, not reduce it.
Industry observers have repeatedly warned that schools without stable internet access, devices or digital infrastructure risk falling even further behind if AI adoption accelerates unevenly.
Van Gruenen said equitable access will ultimately determine whether AI becomes a tool for inclusion or another layer of inequality.
'AI can improve the quality of education on a large scale, but only if schools with the least resources are not left behind. Connectivity, infrastructure, and device access are essential to ensure that AI does not widen the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced schools.'
As AI tools become increasingly embedded in everyday learning, international organizations including UNESCO have stepped up calls for stronger governance frameworks around data privacy, algorithmic bias and academic integrity.
Teachers are also navigating questions around plagiarism, AI-generated assignments and how to encourage critical thinking in an age where automated answers are only a few clicks away.
Digital literacy experts say students must not only learn to use AI tools, but also understand their limitations, biases, and risks.
'Ethical governance cannot be compromised' Van Gruenen said. 'Students need to understand not only how to use AI, but how to question it. “We must teach responsible use, transparency, and an understanding of where AI can make mistakes.”
The debate has also raged online, where conversations about AI in schools continue to divide parents, teachers, and students.
While some social media users see AI as a practical teaching aid that can improve access to education, others have raised concerns about over-reliance on technology and the potential erosion of traditional teaching skills, as highlighted Helm Africa.
Meanwhile, Van Gruenen believes the country's next steps should focus on improving digital infrastructure, developing clear ethical frameworks for schools, and providing ongoing teacher training.
'AI can accelerate progress towards high-quality, inclusive education. 'If we approach this thoughtfully, South Africa can build a more equitable future in which every learner benefits from the opportunities made possible by AI.' He underlined.
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