Call for Papers: Transforming E-Learning Research through Artificial Intelligence

Transforming e-learning research through artificial intelligence: Innovations, challenges, and future

The journal Progressio invites submissions for a special issue focused on ‘transforming e-learning research through artificial intelligence: Innovations, challenges, and future.’ This special issue aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and e-learning in higher education in Africa, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented in this context. Progressio (ISSN 2663-5895) is a peer reviewed, open access, scholarly journal that offers researchers and practitioners in all aspects of teaching and learning in higher education the opportunity to publish their work. Progressio is accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.

Background:

The integration of AI technologies in higher education offers significant potential to transform learning environments, especially in the African context, where issues of equity and inclusivity are paramount. This special issue seeks to address the digital access divide between urban and rural e-learning students, the role of AI in advancing Sustainable Development Goals, and the transformative potential of AI in reshaping educational landscapes as well as the application of AI in the research context in Africa.

The special issue responds to the theme, “Transforming E-Learning Research through Artificial Intelligence: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions”, which considers the following sub-themes:

1. Equity and Inclusivity in AI integration. One key aspect to address in the special issue is the digital access divide between urban and rural distance education students in Africa. This divide underscores the importance of considering equity and inclusivity in the integration of AI technologies in higher education. Understanding the early adjustment experiences of e-learning students in Africa can also shed light on the role of e-learning in providing access to historically marginalised groups.
2. AI in Educational practices. Artificial Intelligence has been a subject of interest globally, and a review of AI in education can provide a solid foundation for exploring its applications in the African higher education context. Leveraging AI to advance Sustainable Development Goals in Africa's higher education system is a promising avenue to explore. Additionally, exploring the challenges and opportunities of AI in higher education can inform the direction of research and implementation strategies in the African context.
3. Challenges and opportunities of AI use. Moreover, exploring the role of AI in transforming learning environments across Africa can provide a broader perspective on the potential impact of AI in reshaping educational landscapes. The emergence of generative AI poses both challenges and opportunities for higher education institutions, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of AI technologies in the educational context.
4. The role of AI in transformation, social justice and ethics. In the African context, where issues of inclusivity and social justice are paramount, it is essential to consider how AI can be harnessed to promote equity in higher education. Transformation and social justice in African higher education are critical themes that should be addressed in the special issue to ensure that the integration of AI aligns with broader goals of redress and equity.
5. Application of AI in e-learning research spaces. The integration of AI in e-learning research spaces in Africa has garnered significant attention in recent academic literature. Studies have underscored the potential of AI to revolutionize educational environments, rendering them more inclusive, accessible, and innovative. Moreover, the significance of AI in tackling educational obstacles and promoting continuous enhancement has been accentuated, paving the way for a more dynamic educational landscape in the African context.

References:

Akinwalere, O., and P. Ivanov. 2022. "Artificial intelligence in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities." Border Crossing 12(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.33182/bc.v12i1.2015 

Chen, X., L. Huang and Y. Fan. 2020. "The role of AI in enhancing educational quality: A review." Educational Technology Research and Development 68(5), 233-248. 

Lembani, R., A. Gunter, M. Breines and M.T.B. Dalu. 2019. "The same course, different access: The digital divide between urban and rural distance education students in South Africa." Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 44(1), 70-84. https://doi:10.1080/03098265.2019.1694876. 

Mittelmeier, J., J. Rogaten, D. Long and B. Rienties. 2019. "Understanding the Early Adjustment Experiences of Undergraduate Distance Education Students in South Africa." International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20(3), 1-21. 

Ntombela, S. and I. Setlhodi. 2020. "Online learning technologies: Enhancing accessibility and success for students with disabilities in South African universities." African Journal of Disability, 9, a691. 

Opesemowo, D. 2024. "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa’s Higher Education System: A Qualitative Study." International Journal of Learning Teaching and   Educational Research, 23(3). 
Yeralan, S. and L.A. Lee. 2023. "Generative AI: Challenges to Higher Education." Sustainable Engineering and Innovation 5(2), 107-113. https://doi.org/10.37868/sei.v5i2.id196. 

 

Submission:

Papers can be submitted at any time before 30 September 2025 as they will be published on an ongoing basis. 

Submission guidelines can be found at Progressio’s website:

https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/Progressio

Fees

In order to finance open access, Progressio requires authors of accepted articles to pay article processing charges (APCs). APCs are payable when the article has been accepted for publication and when an invoice has been delivered. APCs are used to cover all costs related to language editing, publishing, online hosting, and the archiving of each article.

The current rate is ZAR 8 258 per article (2024 prices). These charges are reviewed annually.

The submitting author is responsible for the payment of the APC, which must be confirmed at the time of submission. All amounts are due within 30 days from invoicing. The article will only be published once full payment has been received.

Since Progressio encourages researchers from marginalised groups and communities to submit articles, authors could apply to be exempted from the APCs. Since each application will be considered on its own merit, a motivation needs to be provided. Upon acceptance of your manuscript for publication, send the application to the Editor-in-Chief. No author would be discriminated against in any way when exemption from the APCs is granted.

 

We hope that will you accept this invitation to share your innovative work with our readers.

 

Ramashego Mphahlele, University of South Africa

Hugo van der Walt, University of South Africa