Low internet access leaves poor African children at a disadvantage

The summary provided highlights the issue of limited access to the internet in Africa, and its impact on the potential benefits of AI in education. Let’s delve deeper into this issue and explore the implications of this digital divide. **The Digital Divide and its Impact on AI in Education**

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not.

A new survey by London-based policy consultancy Public First reveals that students in international baccalaureate (IB) curriculum schools are mostly aware of AI and a majority use them frequently, including in their schoolwork. Read: Internet services disrupted as Kenyans stage anti-tax protests Advertisement Based on the findings of the study, which polled over 10,000 students aged 13 to 18 across the globe, including in Africa, 82 percent of teenagers know what AI is and can define it, and 77 percent have used the technology including in their daily academic work. A majority of the young have positive opinion of AI use in education and believe that it can be a force for good both in their studies and general lives.

However, the study shows, even in such schools that cost an arm and a leg in fees, this positive opinion dwindles in less developed countries compared as students in countries with higher human development index (HDI) show more optimism in AI use compared to those in low-HDI. Yet, the children in low-HDI countries are more likely to agree that AI use would enhance their education compared to those in more developed nations. Experts contend that children in less developed parts of the world such as East Africa have more to gain from AI deployment in education than those in developed parts of the globe.

This statement highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize education, particularly in underserved communities. AI can be a powerful tool for personalized learning, addressing the unique needs of each student. Here’s how AI can be used to improve education:

* **Personalized Learning:** AI can analyze student data to identify individual learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. This allows for tailored learning experiences, providing students with the right resources and support at the right time.

This lack of access to the internet is a significant barrier to educational advancement and economic development. **Here’s a breakdown of the problem:**

* **Limited Infrastructure:** East Africa faces challenges with internet infrastructure, including slow speeds, unreliable connectivity, and limited access to broadband. This makes it difficult for individuals and institutions to access and utilize online resources, including AI tools.