Session Type: Panel Discussion with Audience Engagement
Rationale
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education by enabling personalized learning, automating tasks, and improving accessibility. However, in West Africa, integrating AI presents unique challenges, including infrastructure limitations, AI biases, and digital literacy gaps.
Session Objectives
Examine how AI can improve education in West Africa.
Address AI governance, bias, and data privacy concerns.
Explore the development of local AI-driven educational tools.
Identify policy actions for governments, institutions, and the private sector.
Encourage collaboration to close the digital skills gap.
Key Discussion Points
1. AI’s Role in Learning and Teaching
How is AI being used in West African classrooms?
Can AI bridge educational gaps in underserved communities?
How can AI assist teachers with planning and management?
2. Ethical Considerations and AI Risks
How can we mitigate AI-driven bias in education?
What policies should ensure student data protection?
How do we prevent AI from widening the digital divide?
3. Preparing for an AI-Driven Future
What AI skills should students learn?
How can AI literacy be integrated into curricula?
What role do public-private partnerships play?
4. Internet Governance and Regional Collaboration
What policies regulate AI use in education?
How can stakeholders collaborate to build an AI-ready system?
Session Format (90 Minutes)
1. Opening Remarks (15 min)
Moderator (5 min): Overview of AI’s role in education.
Keynote Speaker (10 min): AI’s impact on West African education.
2. Panel Discussion (40 min)
Experts from academia, government, tech industry, and civil society discuss:
AI’s impact on education.
Implementation challenges.
Ethical concerns and policy needs.
Preparing students for AI-driven careers.
3. Audience Q&A (20 min)
Attendees share insights and ask questions.
4. Actionable Takeaways (15 min)
Panelists offer final recommendations.
The moderator summarizes key points and next steps.
Expected Outcomes
Policy recommendations for AI integration in education.
A regional roadmap for AI adoption.
Commitments from stakeholders to support AI literacy.
Identification of pilot projects for AI-driven learning.
Enhanced regional collaboration on AI education.
Target Audience
Policymakers, educators, tech developers, civil society groups, and students.
Follow-Up Actions
Establish a regional working group on AI in education.
Develop a policy brief from session discussions.
Organize follow-up meetings to track progress.
Encourage pilot AI education initiatives in universities.
Conclusion
This session will drive practical solutions for responsible AI integration in education, ensuring West African students actively shape the region’s digital future.
