Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Higher Vocational Education: A Comparative Study Between Norway and South Africa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Higher Vocational Education (HVE) by offering personalized learning experiences, enhancing pedagogical methods, and streamlining administrative tasks. This study examines the integration of AI in HVE, focusing on its potential to enhance personalized learning and the challenges associated with its implementation. Conducted as a comparative analysis between Norwegian and South African institutions, it offers a cross-cultural perspective on the impact of AI in education. Utilizing a scoping review based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework, findings are organized within a conceptual framework encompassing prerequisites, drivers, determinants, and outputs. The study identifies significant benefits of AI, such as improved decision-making, tailored learning experiences, and enhanced student engagement. However, it also highlights challenges, including infrastructural limitations, resistance to change, and policy gaps. A critical finding is the importance of supportive institutional culture, robust infrastructure, and ongoing professional development for educators to successfully integrate AI into vocational education. This comparative approach underscores the necessity of strategic investments in infrastructure and professional development, tailored to the specific needs and contexts of both Norway and South Africa. The collaboration between Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and South African universities is pivotal in exploring the similarities and differences in AI adoption, offering valuable insights for policymakers, administrators, and educators in both regions. The study concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for longitudinal studies and further cross-cultural comparisons to understand the long-term effects and contextual factors influencing AI integration in education. This collaboration not only fosters international academic exchange but also contributes to the broader discourse on AI's role in global education.