Let’s be honest—when we first signed up to teach Computer Applications Technology, we thought we’d mastered the curriculum the moment we could rattle off the difference between RAM and ROM. But now? Artificial Intelligence has entered the chat, and suddenly, we’re all Googling terms like machine learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics faster than our learners submit a PDF they forgot to convert from .pages.

But here’s the thing: AI isn’t here to replace us. It’s here to amplify what we already do brilliantly—equip learners with the digital skills to thrive in a world that changes faster than our school Wi-Fi signal drops when the generator kicks in.

Why AI Belongs in the CAT Classroom

South African learners are already living in an AI-powered world. Whether they realise it or not, AI is in their YouTube recommendations, voice assistants, TikTok filters, and even in that suspiciously well-written paragraph they tried to pass off as their own. (Yes, we see you, ChatGPT.)

As CAT teachers, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to demystify AI. We don’t need to become computer scientists. We need to be guides, helping learners ask critical questions like:

• “How does AI work?”

• “What are its ethical implications?”

• “How can I use it to enhance—not cheat—my work?”

From Chalkboard to Chatbot: Practical Ideas

1. AI Show-and-Tell: Let learners explore tools like Canva’s Magic Write or Microsoft Copilot. Ask them to evaluate the outputs. Is it accurate? Biased? Useful?

2. Tech Debates: Host a debate on whether AI should be used in schools. You’ll be amazed at the depth of thought (and sass) they bring.

3. Assessment Innovation: Tired of the same old PowerPoint tasks? Challenge learners to use AI to create marketing content, then analyse its effectiveness.

4. AI Ethics Scenarios: Present them with real-world dilemmas like deepfakes, surveillance, or biased algorithms. Discuss where the line between “smart tech” and “scary tech” lies.

But First… Breathe

If all of this sounds overwhelming, take comfort: no one expects you to overhaul your classroom overnight. Start small. Share your journey with other CAT teachers (even if it includes a tech fail or two—yes, even if AI starts speaking isiZulu in a Xhosa class by accident).

Remember, you’re not just teaching Excel formulas and database queries. You’re shaping critical thinkers for a future where AI is part of everyday life. That’s powerful.

So go ahead, press Ctrl + Alt + AI, and reboot your teaching with purpose, laughter, and just the right amount of caution. The bots may be learning fast—but so are we.