A group of academics from the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently attended the fifth edition of the International Conference on Teaching, Assessment and Learning in the Digital Age – digiTAL 2024, in Mauritius.
Themed – Navigating the Future: Cultivating Digital Skills for Global Relevance, the two-day conference was aimed at empowering educators to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, fostering global employability and competitiveness.
Representing DUT, Ms Bukelwa Mbinda and Dr Itumeleng Maome from the Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management, Dr Catharina Womack from the Department of Applied Law, and Dr Sifiso Myeni from the Department of Human Resources Management, successfully presented their research papers, engaged in networking, and facilitated partnerships with international scholars.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation Mbinda said the conference was highly engaging and featured presentations from various international academics and education stakeholders who shared their insights on the digital landscape.
She relayed that the conference provided a platform for educators to discuss their experiences in integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics into teaching and learning and that the emphasis was on the critical role of academic institutions in adapting to these changes and collaborating effectively with millennials.
“Attending thedigiTAL2K Teaching and Learning Conferenceis a powerful move for anyone passionate about ICT. With my interest in using technology to enhance learning, this event is a perfect opportunity,” she said.
Mbinda explained that the conference assisted them in discovering cutting-edge tools and strategies to make teaching more dynamic and accessible while helping students learn with ease and engagement.
“Being part of an engagement like the digiTAL2K Teaching and Learning Conference was incredibly enriching! It’s a rare chance to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for transforming education through technology. Experiences like this ignite new ideas, broaden your perspectives, and encourage you to think beyond your everyday practices,” said Mbinda.
Commenting on its benefit to the institution, Mbinda stated that the conference will bring huge value to DUT, especially to the Faculty of Management Sciences in advancing the teaching methods to the latest ICT tools and strategies, allowing the integration of technology into the curriculum design and classroom practices.
She added that this will enhance the learning experience, making it more engaging and relevant to students who will enter tech-driven industries and improve student preparedness, by leveraging digital tools and preparing students better for the future workplace, equipping them with digital skills and familiarity with technology in business contexts.
“The knowledge and strategies you gain from this conference can be a driving force in making DUT a leader in technology-enabled education, setting students up for success in a competitive, digital world,” she said.
Mbinda expressed that they hope to participate in the 2025 conference, which will be held at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel.
Pictured: DUT academics with fellow attendees at the conference.
Thulasizwe Nkomo
