International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 20, No. 3 (2024)

Artificial Intelligence for educational sustainability in the South African school system: A bibliometric analysis and literature review

Alton Dewa, University of the Witwatersrand

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on developing computers capable of human-like cognitive activities, profoundly impacting education and global sustainability trends. This has significant impacts on both education and global sustainability. In education, AI offers the potential to improve access, equity, and quality, while also preparing students for the future workforce. To explore this connection, a clear research plan was developed. This plan investigates how integrating AI into education contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). The methodology relied on a comprehensive literature review using peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings from the Scopus database, focusing on publications between 2010 and 2023. Boolean algebra was used as a search query with keywords such as "Artificial Intelligence," "educational sustainability," "South Africa," and "school system." The result from Scopus displayed 22 documents found. VOSviewer was used to analyse and map the intellectual landscapes of various fields by examining relationships between publications, authors, keywords, and institutions. Analysed data was presented using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the research is limited to higher learning of institutions, leaving out teachers at the school level. Despite AI's potential to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 4, which emphasises inclusive and quality education, disparities persist. The study concludes by emphasising the imperative of involving teachers in AI tool implementation to truly enhance educational sustainability, addressing existing gaps in the educational landscape.

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