Prof SHILA MPHAHLELE | TEACHERS NEED MORE SUPPORT | SA’S EDUCATION CRISIS | Ai TEACHING | CANCER

In this important and thought-provoking episode of the King David Studio Podcast, David Mashabela sits down with education scholar and researcher Dr Shila Mphahlele to unpack one of
Dr Mphahlele is an Associate Professor and researcher at the University of South Africa, with work spanning open distance learning, online teaching and learning, student support, technology in education, teacher development, mathematics and science education. Her research also engages questions around artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, online learning and the inequalities that continue to shape education in South Africa.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr Mphahlele explores what is really happening inside South African classrooms, homes, universities and online learning spaces. The discussion looks at the pressure facing teachers, the importance of early childhood development, the digital divide between urban and rural learners, and whether technology can genuinely improve learning outcomes or simply deepen existing inequalities.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest issues of our time: artificial intelligence in education.

Can AI help teachers teach better? Can it support children who are falling behind? Will it widen the divide between learners who have access to technology and those who do not? And how can South Africa ensure that new technologies are used ethically, responsibly and in a way that serves African realities?

Dr Mphahlele has written and contributed to research on online learning, student readiness, open educational resources, teacher support, technology-enhanced learning and the impact of emerging technologies on African development. Her work has consistently highlighted that access alone is not enough: learners and teachers also need support, skills, context and meaningful inclusion.

This is not only a conversation for teachers and academics. It is for parents, students, policymakers, young people, entrepreneurs, and every South African who understands that the future of the country will depend on the quality of education we give our children.

Guest: Dr Shila Mphahlele
Host: David Mashabela
Platform: King David Studio Podcast

Watch the full conversation, share it with a parent, teacher or student, and subscribe to King David Studio Podcast for more honest and meaningful South African conversations.

#KingDavidStudio #DavidMashabela #DrShilaMphahlele #EducationSouthAfrica #AIinEducation #SouthAfricanSchools #Teachers #OnlineLearning #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfEducation #PodcastSA #UNISA