Artificial intelligence in education: Considerations for South African schooling

Artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) has been an established research field for over 30 years. However, the recent introduction of free, readily available AI in the form of large language model-based chatbots, such as ChatGPT, has sparked controversy and change, specifically within the field of education. In response to these developments, this article presents a discussion on AIEd. The article starts by presenting a broad overview of AIEd, followed by ways in which researchers foresee AIEd being used in schooling. Potential harm in relation to the use of AIEd and critiques of current AIEd usage is also discussed, followed by a discussion on AIEd and its potential impact on South African schooling. The article concludes by noting that it is near impossible not to adopt or engage with new digital developments, however, educators need to equip both themselves and their students on the complexities involved in engaging in aspects of AIEd, specifically taking careful note of privacy and confidentiality laws.