Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have been progressing constantly and being more visible in different aspects of our lives. One recent phenomenon is ChatGPT, a chatbot with a conversational artificial intelligence interface that was developed by OpenAI. As one of the most advanced artificial intelligence applications, ChatGPT has drawn much public attention across the globe. In this regard, this study examines ChatGPT in education, among early adopters, through a qualitative instrumental case study. Conducted in three stages, the first stage of the study reveals that the public discourse in social media is generally positive and there is enthusiasm regarding its use in educational settings. However, there are also voices who are approaching cautiously using ChatGPT in educational settings. The second stage of the study examines the case of ChatGPT through lenses of educational transformation, response quality, usefulness, personality and emotion, and ethics. In the third and final stage of the study, the investigation of user experiences through ten educational scenarios revealed various issues, including cheating, honesty and truthfulness of ChatGPT, privacy misleading, and manipulation. The findings of this study provide several research directions that should be considered to ensure a safe and responsible adoption of chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, in education.

By increasing technology trend awareness, individuals can leverage novel and ground-breaking technologies to complete mundane activities and buy time to focus on other projects. This article presents an overview of why there is a slow pace of digital transformation in education in Ghana using ChatGPT (an advanced chatbot) as a case scenario. In this two-phase study, which used a triangulation approach (an exploratory sequential design), we found that most of the authors of publications about ChatGPT were not from the African continent or were affiliated with international institutions. A thematic analysis of interview data involving 34 academics in Ghana about ChatGPT revealed that most academics had limited knowledge about ChatGPT and artificial intelligence-powered chatbots. The main themes generated comprised the purpose of ChatGPT and chatbots, their usability and accuracy, and ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) enthusiasm. The quantitative phase of the study surveyed the views of 50 academics who confirmed the minimal awareness of ChatGPT by Ghanaian academics. There were mixed views about the relevance and usefulness of ChatGPT in work-related tasks. Following the findings, we provide ways to create technology trend awareness for academics from African countries like Ghana to transition from being “laggards” to “early adopters”, as explained by Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory. The findings call for policymakers and educators to promote technological awareness.

Higher education systems are under increasing pressure to embrace technology-enhanced learning as a meaningful step towards the digital transformation of education. Digital technologies in education promise optimal teaching and learning, but at the same time, they put a strain on education systems to adapt pedagogical strategies. Classical pedagogical frameworks such as Dewey, Piaget, and Vygotsky’s theories focused on student agency and are not specific to contemporary education with ubiquitous digital technologies. Hence, there is a need for a novel and innovative pedagogical framework that aligns with these emerging and advanced digital technologies. However, recent guidelines to incorporate emerging digital technologies in education have largely focused on ethical dimensions and assessment practices. The lack of an overarching pedagogical framework for teaching and learning practices in the digital era is a threat to quality education. The current study proposes a digital pedagogy for sustainable educational transformation (DP4SET) framework applicable to the new modes of teaching and learning powered by digital technologies. The DP4SET framework comprises four components that advocate for digital competence for accessing deep learning, evidence-based practice with quality digital resources, learning environments with applicable digital technology, and synergy between human teachers and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI). A real-world application of the DP4SET framework in Chinese contexts proves that it promotes the effective use of technology and significantly reshapes teaching and learning in and beyond the classroom. The proposed digital pedagogy framework provides a foundation for modern education systems to accommodate advanced digital technologies for sustainable digital transformation of education.

Adult learners are a neglected species in the generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) era. The sweeping changes brought by GenAI in the educational arena have implications for adult learning. GenAI in education will usher in a world of adult learning that will be radically different from its predecessor. However, how adult learners will apply GenAI technologies to achieve their educational and professional goals remains blurred. To address this gap, it is crucial to examine essential principles for integrating GenAI into adult learning. For effective digital transformation of education, GenAI should optimize adult learning and ensure the safety of adult learners. This study proposes a “GenAI adult learning ecology” framework (GenAI-ALE) for higher education institutions in this digital era permeated by GenAI. The GenAI-ALE considers eight (8) essential principles categorized into two main themes; institutional factors (GenAI curriculum design, GenAI divide, GenAI policy, GenAI ethics) and interpersonal factors (GenAI human-centered andragogy, GenAI literacy, GenAI interest, and GenAI virtual learning). Malcolm Knowles’ andragogical model is used to provide a context for integrating GenAI into adult learning. Applying the framework in a real-world context follows four iterative systematic steps; pre-perception and perception, GenAI readiness, assessment, and outcome. Reimagining new forms of adult learning in the GenAI revolution calls for higher education institutions to develop education systems where there is a synergy between humans (adult learners) and GenAI.