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Andrew Bettany, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Windows, has urged the University of Botswana (UB) academic staff to embrace and integrate AI skills development into their curricula. Battany shared insights during Microsoft Learn for Educators AI Bootcamp hosted by the Department of Computer Science from the 17th to 18th of March 2025.

The bootcamp, designed for educators and faculty across various fields of study, was tailored to specific AI concepts and skills. It targeted faculty members aiming to incorporate AI into their teaching practices and curricula.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Dr Samuel Chimidza, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity presented by the facilitator's presence, emphasising the importance of leveraging AI to harness its benefits while addressing potential risks associated with the adoption of new technological tools.

“AI is just a tool and as you probably know, technology, like any tool, has its ups and downs. It is essential to understand how to use this technology to derive maximum benefit,” stressed Dr Chimidza.

Dr Chimidza further highlighted that AI had been globally recognised as a means to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) which advocated for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. He noted that aligning UB's objectives with the goal was a priority, with AI positioned as a critical resource for advancing inclusive education.

He advised staff members not to view AI as an undesirable innovation but rather to focus on implementing appropriate policies and strategies to ensure its effective and ethical use in education.