CHEPD contributed to the success of the Research on AI at NWU Symposium: Implications for Teaching and Learning, Research and Administrative Efficiency, held on 3 September 2026 at Roots Venue, Potchefstroom, through two presentations. The two presentations were delivered by Dr Rhea Koch, Prof Shan Simmonds, and Ms Mmathapelo Matsobe. 

Dr Rhea Koch presented a paper co-authored with Prof Anné Verhoef titled “Artificial Intelligence in South African Schools: Teachers' and Learners' Lived Experiences of Use, Acceptance and Responsible Integration.” The paper focuses on how teachers and learners experience AI in schools on a day-to-day basis. 

Prof Shan Simmonds and Ms Mmathapelo Matsobe shared one of CHEPD's research projects titled “Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence Information Platforms on Teacher Education: Promoting Socially Responsive Curricula in Times of Change.” The project is a national higher education study of pre-service teachers that explores how student teachers use generative AI (GenAI), how they interpret their institutions' cultures and policies regarding AI, and how they envision GenAI reshaping teaching in South Africa.

From left to right: Dr Mthobisi Ndaba, Prof Shan Simmonds, Ms Mmathapelo Matsobe and Dr Rhea Koch