Artificial Intelligence as an opportunity or a curriculum trajectory in the 21st century? Towards embracing unfamiliar discourses

This theoretical paper contributes to the ongoing debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in relation to curriculum and implementation in post-colonial South Africa. We contend that AI, as perceived, conceived, and implemented within the curriculum space, presents an ambivalent terrain marked by fear, uncertainty, and anxiety among stakeholders, as its presence has interfered with the everyday work of educational practitioners. Cognizant of this problem, we locate our theorisation within the framework of Sustainable Learning Environments and address two questions: (1) What are the opportunities of AI in relation to the curriculum in post-colonial South Africa? (2) What challenges are faced in the implementation of AI, especially in rural contexts where technological opportunities are not equivalent to those in urban areas? In this paper, we highlight that while AI tools like ChatGPT may appear daunting for integration into teaching and learning—potentially undermining educators' authority and raising ethical concerns—there is an urgent need to rethink and restructure teacher education. This restructuring should align with the evolving demands of an AI-enhanced curriculum and address the shifting expectations in educational contexts.