VUT Teaching and Learning Conference explores the evolving educational landscape in line with SDG 4

From 10 – 12 September 2024, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) held its annual Teaching and Learning Conference at Riverside Sun Hotel.

Meticulously curated by the university’s Centre for Academic Development (CAD) in collaboration with the Faculty of Human Sciences, the three-day conference brought together educators, innovators, and thought leaders under one roof to explore the evolving educational landscape in the 21^st century.

The conference focused on the pivotal role education plays in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific emphasis on SDG 4: Quality Education. This goal seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The gathering drew notable speakers, including Prof Moeketsi Letseka, Ms. Shanali Governor, Mr. Vusi Maseko, and Mr. Siya Sabata, who offered insightful discussions on how education can foster a sustainable and just future.

Prof Letseka, a respected scholar in education, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Education for Sustainability.” In his presentation, he emphasized that education is not only a goal in itself but also a critical tool for achieving other SDGs, such as eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, promoting gender equality, and fighting climate change. “Education is the bedrock of sustainable development,” Prof Letseka stated. He urged educators and institutions to integrate sustainability into courses and teaching practices, preparing students to become global citizens who can address environmental, social, and economic challenges.

His presentation also highlighted the need for education systems to engage students in critical thinking about issues like climate change, resource management, and social justice. Additionally, he stressed the importance of rethinking what and how we teach, ensuring that sustainability is woven into every aspect of education. “Our students must leave our institutions equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.”

Ms. Shanali Governor, a senior lecturer within the Staff Development Unit at the University of Cape Town, introduced the concept of “Three Orientations to Meaningful Education in a Super-Complex World.” Governor described the current global landscape as a “super-complex world” characterized by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and unpredictable challenges. Traditional, outcome-based educational models are increasingly inadequate for preparing students to navigate this complexity, she argued.

“In this super-complex environment, we are no longer dealing with problems that have clear solutions,” Governor explained. “We face uncertainty, ambiguity, and constant change, which demands new ways of thinking about education that focus on meaning, adaptability, and critical engagement.”

Dr. Vusi Maseko, an expert in Educational Management and Leadership with over 30 years of experience, addressed the challenges posed by digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. His presentation focused on the role of AI in online professional learning communities and how it can drive innovation for sustainable development. Maseko highlighted the significant barriers that institutions face, especially in less-resourced areas. “The digital divide remains one of the greatest challenges to achieving equitable access to AI-powered education tools,” he noted, stressing the importance of reliable internet infrastructure and educator training to effectively use AI in classrooms.

Siya Sabata is a Teaching and Learning Specialist, based in the Academic Planning Unit at the University of the Western Cape. An ethics and education researcher, offered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Re-Centering Teacher Agency at the Center for Quality Education to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals: Towards Ubuntugogy.” He introduced Ubuntugogy, a pedagogical framework rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes interconnectedness, community, and the well-being of all.

Sabata explained that Ubuntugogy places humanity and compassion at the heart of education, challenging traditional top-down models and promoting a more inclusive, dialogical approach. “Ubuntugogy encourages us to view education not just as the transfer of knowledge but as a process of mutual growth and community building,” Sabata said. He emphasized that this framework allows teachers to play a central role in fostering inclusive and transformative education, creating learning environments based on dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect.

The 2024 VUT Teaching and Learning Conference was a powerful reminder of the essential role that education plays in advancing sustainable development. Each speaker addressed different facets of SDG 4, offering a collective vision of how education can be transformed to meet the challenges of the modern world. From digital learning and inclusivity to sustainability and ethics, the conference highlighted the complexity of achieving quality education and its critical importance in shaping a sustainable future for all.

The conference has been described as an extension of many other efforts demonstrating VUT’s dedication to student success, innovation in teaching, and the incorporation of emerging technologies.  Throughout the conference, delegates immersed themselves in presentations which tackled different topics. These ranged from how an aligned curriculum design will regenerate the development of student’s capacity in responding to societal needs – to the expansion of higher education in South Africa, delving on problems and possibilities. Other critical areas explored included the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education institution, as well as effective teaching and learning methods in modern education.

As VUT and other institutions continue to explore innovative educational approaches, the insights shared during the conference underscore the need for a collaborative and holistic effort to achieve SDG 4. By prioritizing inclusive, equitable, and quality education, we can build a foundation for sustainable development that benefits individuals, communities, and the planet, that’s according to Dr Chili, CAD Executive Director and conference host. The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the top academic performers of 2023/2024.