Summary
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our day to day lives has been on the rise. AI is now present in our smart phones, websites, personal gadgets, etc. From undertaking complex tasks in the past to now carrying out even the simplest of exercises, we can see that AI is here to stay. One of the domains that has a promising future is the use of AI in education where it has potential to be applied as a solution to some of education’s major issues present (Pedro et al., 2019). AI in education seems promising but it is salient to note that there are challenges that come with its use e.g., impact of AI on the teacher and student roles. There is also little evidence showing how the AI tools developed for education can be used together with educational theories to strengthen and deepen the synergy between the two (Chen et al., 2020). This research will be conducted in collaboration with Aalborg University (Copenhagen), Gulu University (Uganda) and the company CanopyLAB (Denmark). The scope of this thesis focuses on evaluating practical use of artificial intelligence in higher education by Gulu University teachers and students in creating and using educational content on the CanopyLAB platform via the AI powered features provided by the platform. This thesis report aims to investigate the use of an AIED tool developed in the global north (CanopyLAB - Denmark) but used in a global south context (Gulu University - Uganda). The limitation of this study is that it does not cover how CanopyLAB’s artificial intelligence is developed or deployed for use and there will be no re-design of CanopyLAB platform based on the user feedback given. Also, there will be no direct collaboration with CanopyLAB the company but rather this will be a case study of CanopyLAB the platform. AI is no longer a field that seemed like it was only achievable in the distant future. I believe that there is significance in this project because of the recent increase in use of AI to solve problems and tasks that are both complex and easy. The methodology used in this research is a case study. The method implemented is use of online workshops as a method to collect data from the participants. From the literature review and analysis of the data collected from Gulu University participants, an artificial intelligence teaching tool is educational software or digital tool that can be used by teachers for teaching, identifying knowledge gaps, develop and publish courses, etc. A teaching tool can also be having a student or learner section whereby students can use. Based on this thesis research, gender and marginalizing of underprivileged communities are the main issues that cause inequalities and partialities because AIED developers may not be involving these communities when they indeed need to in order to produce sound results. In order to mitigate said issue, it is integral to involve the stakeholders of AIED as their opinions, feedback, concerns will be required. The main barrier or bottleneck based on this Gulu University research is minimal involvement of the global south in the development of artificial intelligence in education.