ZOU Executive Management Receives AI Training from Liquid Intelligent Technologies
ZOU Management Gather for AI Training Session
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has strengthened its focus on digital transformation following an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training session conducted by Liquid Intelligent Technologies for the University’s Executive Management and Deans.
The training session, organised through the University’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department under the leadership of IT Director Mr Mvenge, was held at the institution’s 2nd Floor Boardroom and focused on the practical application of AI in higher education and institutional management.
The session brought together senior University officials, including the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar and other members of Executive Management and the Deans. The engagement sought to enhance the University leadership’s understanding of emerging AI technologies and how they can be applied to improve efficiency and productivity across the institution.
ZOU Vice Chancellor Prof P.H Gundani delivers a speech to delegates
Liquid Intelligent Technologies facilitated the programme, drawing on its expertise in technology, cloud computing, cybersecurity and AI solutions. The training explored the potential of AI as a tool for supporting learning, research and institutional administration.
One of the key areas demonstrated during the session was Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant integrated into familiar Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
The demonstrations showed how Copilot can assist users with tasks such as summarising lengthy email conversations, drafting documents and reports, analysing information in Excel, preparing presentations and transcribing and summarising Microsoft Teams meetings.
All ears as the AI session is underway
The training also highlighted possible applications of AI across different areas of the University. These include supporting student services, assisting lecturers with the preparation of learning materials, strengthening research and knowledge management, and supporting management with data analysis and reporting.
Guest shares a laugh after a joke was shared
A significant aspect of the engagement was the emphasis placed on responsible AI adoption. Discussions covered issues relating to privacy and data security, academic integrity, bias and accountability, with the report noting the importance of maintaining human oversight when using AI-assisted systems.
The training also explored the growing importance of African languages in the development of AI technologies, with discussions highlighting efforts to incorporate languages such as Shona, Swahili and Zulu into AI models.
The engagement comes as ZOU continues to explore ways of leveraging emerging technologies to enhance its operations and support its mandate of providing accessible higher education.
The AI training therefore provided Executive Management and Deans with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of technologies that are increasingly becoming part of modern workplaces, while also considering the ethical and responsible use of AI within the University environment.
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