In a key step toward strengthening teaching and research abilities in universities among its faculty, 24 lecturers have completed an intensive 12-week artificial intelligence training under the Microsoft ADC. This was done in association with trainers from Microsoft Leap, which will be helpful in empowering the quality of education and fostering innovation in the AI space within the academic community.
Graduation Ceremony and Key Figures
Notable among the guests who attended the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of Microsoft ADC’s prefaculty upskilling and immersion were Irene Githinji, program manager Education Engagements, Microsoft ADC; Caroline Njenga, program business manager, Microsoft Leap; and some highly valued lecturers like Peter Muturi from the Multimedia University of Kenya and Anne Muchiri from St Paul’s University.
Participating Institutions
The program saw participation from a diverse group of universities across Kenya, including:
- Zetech University
- Kabarak University
- Multimedia University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- St Paul’s University
- Strathmore University
- United States International University (USIU)
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
- Meru University
Program Objectives and Outcomes
The overall objective of the program was to support the faculty in strengthening its capacity for teaching and researching AI technologies, reflecting the global trend toward infusing AI into various sectors. For her part, Irene Githinji underscored the wider impact of the program: “We are elated that all our 24 lecturers who started the program have graduated because it seeks to enhance faculty skills in teaching and research, where the world is striving to do more with the power of artificial intelligence. This effect can be trickled down into the lecturers’ classrooms, universities, and beyond through fostering collaboration and innovation.”
The Role of AI in Modern Education
AI caters for applications across many industries: healthcare, manufacturing, and the military. AI technology is basically a computerized application known to simulate human intelligence in solving various complex problems. The program did not deal with only AI and software engineering principles but encompassed a project-based learning approach too. This approach is devised to develop creative skills and to let the participants cope effectively with difficult or ill-structured problems, often working in small teams.
“Indeed, the training has been an eye-opener to us. We have realized where the missing link was. Through the program, we have got what it is that the industry wants. It has allowed us to see that perhaps we are not preparing our students properly for the current market needs.”—said Peter Muturi, a lecturer of programming at the Multimedia University. It has shown us that we need to work with the AI to enhance our productivity as lecturers and that of our students rather than look at as competition. We’ve seen 21st-century learning design incorporating technology to teach within and beyond the technology industry following the training.
Future Implications
Successful completion of this AI training program by these 24 lecturers is another step toward aligning the curriculum within institutions of higher learning with industry requirements. Equipping educators with skills and knowledge, as this program does, gives assurance of enhancing capabilities among future graduates entering the fast-evolving job market, to help bridge the gap in technological education in Kenya.
In a world driven at breakneck speed by AI, such steps are long overdue in bringing together the yawning gap between academic training and industry expectations—setting the ball rolling in an enabling environment that allows for innovation and collaboration beyond the university.