By Frank Kamuntu
Author of East Africa’s first AI book dubbed ”From Chalk To CHATBOTS”, Prof Lawrence Muganga continues to argue that for one to retain his/her job will swiftly need to embrace Artificial Intelligence and know how to use it to boost productivity at work, Swift News reports exclusively.
Appearing on NTV Uganda’s weekend edition news show hosted by Mildred Pedun, Prof Muganga made it clear that AI is good for both the employee and employer as both can benefit and boost the company’s growth if they master and effectively use technology.
After this discussion I was convinced that AI technology is here to stay and wouldn't be a threat like many perceive it. Thank you @ReachDrMuganga for educating the nation. #Ntvweekendedition #chalktochatbots https://t.co/Oq0PKD5A9v
— Mildred Pedun (@Mildred_Pedun) April 14, 2024
”Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not replace humans, but those who embrace and master it will surpass those who ignore or misunderstand its potential. For example, the time will come when you can be somewhere, your producer here connects your photo with your voice and you read for us news when in reality you are somewhere doing other things. This means no day a presenter will ever get sick, everything will be running normally on the power of AI. That means, if you are not able to command AI, your boss will command it for you and terminate your contract. So the secret to retaining the job will be knowing how to deal with AI and work with it,” said Prof Muganga being praised by many for opening their eyes through his ‘tech evangelism’.
Prof Muganga also trashes fears of AI coming to wipe out humanity, saying instead people will find work and everything easy due to the presence of AI.
”AI is not coming to eliminate us, it’s coming to work with us for better production. The little challenges that come with technology can be dealt with, gov’t can regulate how we use it such that people don’t abuse it. In fact it’s my prayer that gov’t sets up policies for all academic institutions to make sure that technology is part and partial of what a student gains daily whenever they come to school and that’s what we have done at Victoria University, we now have graduates who can work anywhere in the world, they are digitally incredible, they can be tapped by Apple, Amazon and other tech giants. This is the meaningful education I am talking about,” Prof Muganga added.
Asked how Victoria University has integrated AI into day to day learning of students, Muganga said all learning is now done digitally. He said instead of students coming with a pen and a book, the University encourages them to come with a laptop or a good smartphone or tablet because every piece of learning is digitized, from lectures to coursework to exams.
”So in brief, in an age defined by technological advancements, Victoria University Kampala is dedicated to equipping students with the digital competencies and technological know-how necessary for success. Lucky enough we are now enrolling for March-April intake, students can join us and taste on the beauty of technology offered by Victoria University,” added Prof. Muganga.
Commenting on his mighty book ‘From Chalk to CHATBOTS’, Prof Muganga revealed that it has powerful information and insights on how institutions can use AI to transform their students digitally by giving them the education that matters.
”There is not so much that has been written about AI in Uganda and Africa at large, so this book brings education and AI to meet in that intersection. So we are demystifying AI for everyone; young people, parents, learners, teachers, policymakers and anyone else who is curious about the future, so that’s the book. Am glad it has been warmly welcomed before even launching it officially,” revealed Prof Muganga.
Muganga’s AI Book which will soon be launched and made available for purchase online through various ebook outlets, and in different bookshops in Kampala, it clearly reveals how humans, can team up with technology to make learning more effective than ever before.
