On 16th January 2024, the DigiGradAfrica Project successfully conducted an Online Training for Postgraduate Supervisors, bringing together academic leaders and participants to explore the use of digital tools and AI in enhancing PhD supervision practices.
Aims of the Training
The session sought to provide supervisors with critical knowledge and practical tools to:
- Enhance Academic Publication and Integrity
- Provide a comprehensive overview of different academic publication types.
- Explore digital technologies for detecting plagiarism and ensuring academic integrity.
- Leverage AI in Teaching and Research
- Equip supervisors with best practices for utilizing AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, to support teaching, research, and PhD supervision.
- Master Virtual Communication Tools
- Strengthen the use of virtual communication platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and PowerPoint recording to facilitate effective supervision.
Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the training, participants were empowered to:
- Ensure Academic Integrity:
Gain an in-depth understanding of academic publication formats and learn advanced methods for managing and detecting plagiarism in Final Degree Projects, Master’s Projects, and Doctoral Theses using specialized software. - Optimize Teaching with AI:
Acquire practical skills to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT for generating teaching materials, improving research workflows, and guiding students more effectively. - Enhance Virtual Communication:
Develop confidence in using virtual platforms like Zoom and Google Meet for interactive supervision. Supervisors also learned to utilize PowerPoint recording for asynchronous teaching and providing feedback to PhD students.
Key Takeaways
- Digital Tools for Supervision:
The training underscored the importance of digital tools in modern postgraduate supervision, enabling supervisors to ensure academic integrity and streamline workflows. - AI Integration:
Participants learned how AI technologies like ChatGPT could transform academic processes, from creating teaching materials to supporting research and supervision tasks. - Virtual Communication Mastery:
Supervisors were equipped with the skills to navigate and utilize virtual platforms, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration in hybrid or fully online supervision environments.
This impactful session reflects the DigiGradAfrica Project’s dedication to empowering postgraduate supervisors with cutting-edge tools and skills to foster innovation and excellence in academic supervision.
For more updates and future training opportunities, stay connected with DigiGradAfrica!
Get all the learning material on – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MvhfE3HaecOHjc-TkbgLxosnBP3do55c?usp=drive_link