The training, held at the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) from February 28 to March 3, focused on introducing participants to the concepts of ‘Emerging Technologies’. Led by Dr Pierre Bakunzibake, Afretec Project Lead and Senior Lecturer at UR, the training aimed to bridge the gap in technological literacy among academic staff from diverse fields. “Previously, staff from various disciplines such as environment, architecture, civil engineering, mathematics, and others had limited knowledge of emerging technologies. Recognising this gap, we organised this training to provide them with the necessary expertise. Now, they are well-equipped to contribute to technological advancement and innovation within their academic domains. The workshop aimed to empower our academic staff in non-ICT fields by integrating emerging technologies into their specialisation areas, teaching methodologies, research endeavours, and administrative duties. “This initiative fosters a culture of increased application of emerging technologies in teaching and research at the University of Rwanda-College of Science and Technology. The training covered topics such as Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Practical Application of AI in Teaching and Learning, Fundamentals of Internet of Things (IoT), and Integrating IoT in Research. While our focus this time was on AI and IoT, we plan to offer more training on other cutting-edge technologies in future sessions, including big data analytics, UAV or drone technology, blockchain, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Some these trainings were offered in the past but it appears that they have demand among academic staff” Bakunzibake said. ALSO READ: 7 initiatives placing Rwanda as major player in AI field John Munyakayanza, a lecturer from the School of ICT at the College of Sciences and Technology (UR-CST) and one of the trainers, emphasised the diverse and interactive nature of the workshop. “The training comprised a mix of interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, case studies, and group discussions.” According to him, continuous learning is necessary. “Continuous learning is imperative for professionals in the IT field to remain abreast of the latest developments. Our student body, predominantly composed of young individuals, exhibits a keen interest in exploring emerging technologies. For instance, ChatGPT has become essential in academic settings, aiding students in obtaining prompt answers and expediting tasks. Rather than resisting such tools, we embrace their utility, recognising their potential to enhance productivity and foster creativity among students.” “One aspect I particularly appreciated about the workshop was its inclusivity, with participation from a diverse range of staff. It shows that we’re trying to broaden the application of emerging technologies across all academic domains. Moving forward, we aim to undertake multidisciplinary research initiatives to address current challenges and implement innovative projects aimed at alleviating societal issues,” Munyakayanza added. ALSO READ: Experts advocate collective effort in empowering women in STEM Dr Zubeda Ukundimana, a lecturer at UR’s School of Engineering, highlighted “the limited integration of emerging technologies within our institutions, particularly evident in non-ICT domains.” “As a chemical and environmental engineer, I’ve observed a lack of understanding among some colleagues regarding the significance of these technologies and how they can be applied in their respective fields. “Students, too, have yet to fully embrace the potential of emerging technology, with some resorting to improper usage, primarily for cheating purposes. However, through this training, lecturers like myself have gained insights into integrating these technologies into our teaching methods and research endeavours, thereby enhancing our students’ learning experiences and improving our research capabilities. “I believe that increased government investment in emerging technologies is essential for their widespread adoption and effectiveness. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure the active participation of women in this field to foster diversity and innovation. I am optimistic that both students and faculty alike will reap the benefits,” Ukundimana said.
