Professor Ng’ambi will present his lecture, “Technology changes what matters – what matters changes technology,” on Friday, 25 July 2025 at 17:30 SAST in Lecture Theatre 1, Neville Alexander Building on lower campus.

Abstract: In today's world, particularly with the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI), technology is reshaping our educational values. Yet, the way we prioritise these values also influences how we engage with technology. Both changes can present challenges. If we allow technology to guide our evolution without taking time to reflect, we risk losing sight of what truly counts. Conversely, if we permit our values to dictate how we develop technology without fully grasping its potential, we might stifle innovation. In this lecture, Dick Ng’ambi invites you to consider the question: What is truly important in education—and for whom? He will reflect on two decades of experience by examining three significant projects that illustrate how our priorities have changed alongside technological advancements, and how technology itself has adapted in response. These narratives reveal the intricate, reciprocal relationship between tools and values. To wrap up, he will present a case study from the Open Educational Resource of Indigenous Games (OERiGA) project. This example underscores the necessity of aligning technology with objectives, serving as a reminder not to put the cart before the horse. When approached with care, technology, particularly AI, has the potential to be transformative. However, this is only achievable if we remain anchored in what truly matters.

Bio: Professor Dick Ng'ambi is a leading scholar in educational technology and digital pedagogy, specialising in mobile learning, gamification, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into education. He holds the position of Professor in the School of Education at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he also serves as Programme Head for the Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Educational Technology - programmes he has championed. Additionally, he is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Greenwich. As the founder and project director of the Educational Technology Inquiry Lab (ETILAB), Professor Ng'ambi leads innovative initiatives, including digital sandpits aimed at the professional development of teachers and teacher training. His extensive body of published work bridges theory and practice, empowering educators to transform their classrooms through the effective use of technology. (For more details, see: https://tinyurl.com/dick-ngambi )

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