by marketing | Oct 30, 2024 | blog, News @ ORT
Embracing AI in Education: ChatGPT, Google NotebookLM, and the Future of Learning
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.
As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.
A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.
ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.
As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.
by marketing | Oct 30, 2024 | News @ ORT, Old News
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.
As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.
A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.
ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.
As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.
by marketing | Oct 29, 2024 | News @ ORT
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with technology trends is essential across all industries. The rapid evolution of AI and automation has not only transformed business operations but has also reshaped the skills required to thrive in various fields. The introduction of ChatGPT and other large language models in late 2022 captivated the world, showcasing how this technology could enhance productivity across sectors. However, it also sparked debates about its implications in education, particularly in schools and universities. Many educational institutions initially attempted to block the use of these tools, only to realise that a more effective approach would be to incorporate AI into learning environments rather than resist it.
As schools and universities grapple with students’ use of ChatGPT for answering questions and writing essays, it has become clear that traditional assessment methods may no longer suffice. This transformation demands a rethinking of educational strategies, emphasizing the development of educators’ skills and attitudes toward AI.
A significant development in this space is Google’s NotebookLM, a tool that merges AI with personalized learning to enhance educational engagement. Unlike ChatGPT, which offers generalized AI assistance, NotebookLM allows students to create, organize, and explore information interactively, leveraging Google’s advanced search and knowledge tools. This encourages students to actively participate in learning rather than passively consume information, as they can interact with the AI to clarify concepts, ask follow-up questions, and build structured notes. Educators could see potential in NotebookLM to foster deeper comprehension and critical thinking, marking a shift from simply solving academic tasks with AI to enriching the learning journey itself.
ORT SA, an educational NGO, is leading the way in adapting to these changes in education. ORT SA works with schools from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, providing various programmes to build a skilled youth workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Let Kidz Code Programme has been empowering schools to incorporate Coding and Robotics since 2015, impacting thousands of learners and hundreds of teachers through Coding and Robotics clubs—setting trends well before the Department of Education introduced a curriculum for Coding and Robotics. ORT Tech in the Classroom also assists teachers in keeping pace with these changes, helping them integrate tools like ChatGPT and Google NotebookLM into teaching and learning.
As AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM continue to gain traction, there is a pressing need to build our skills and adopt these resources to better prepare students for a future where AI literacy will be as essential as digital literacy. Embracing these tools and adapting curriculum accordingly will empower students and teachers alike, ultimately integrating AI as an ally in modern education.
by marketing | Sep 25, 2024 | Old News
by marketing | Jul 31, 2024 | News @ ORT
On June 25th, ORT SA had the incredible opportunity to visit Zamde Projects, an SMME that is part of our Business Mentorship and Compliance Programme in partnership with AEDF. Zamde Projects a contracted business of Damien Shipyards. For the past three years, Damien Shipyards have been working on a massive project to build military ships for the South African Navy.
Zamde Projects is a qualified sandblasting company in the maritime space, and their work is a testament to the skill and innovation present in our local businesses. We’re incredibly proud to support and mentor enterprises like Zamde Projects, helping them to thrive and create new opportunities.
Wesley Pillay, ORT-AEDF Isihlangu Project Manager, shared his thoughts on the progress of the mentorship programme: “Since joining the programme, Siyabonga has been on an enriching journey of self-discovery. One of the things he learned from being a part of this programme is how to stop thinking like someone who is self-employed and start thinking like someone who owns a company. The change in his business was instant, and he has been growing in this programme from strength to strength. Very proud of all he has achieved thus far and can’t wait to see what is still to come for the rest of the year.’’
ORT SA is committed to empowering SMMEs, providing mentorship, and fostering business growth. We believe in the potential of our entrepreneurs and are dedicated to seeing them succeed
