Scholarly discourse of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and education in Botswana: a scoping review

Abstract

Implementation of the practices of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is currently a trendy topic worldwide since various interruptions are expected. Education is considered as a major tool to equip people with the necessary kills to be prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Botswana’s education system was ranked among the top ten on the African continent. Hence, this study explored the 4IR and education in Botswana, using a scoping review. The literature was analysed and presented, using themes. The findings showed that factors such as curriculum issues, lack of electricity in rural areas, amongst others are stumbling blocks in Botswana’s way as it continues to prepare itself for the 4IR through education. Also, there is limited scholarly work on education and the 4IR, specifically from the perspective of Botswana. Hence, research into current practices in the education sector and institutions of learning in Botswana was recommended.

Rethinking literacy pedagogy in the context of 4IR: Learners’ access and reading motivation

“…In other words, schools were compelled to rethink literacy pedagogy in the context of the 4IR and expose their learners to internet-based online platforms. For example, Uleanya (2023) carried out a study in Botswana with a particular emphasis on the academic discourse of the 4IR and schooling. The study's findings revealed that challenges including curriculum problems and a shortage of electricity http://www.rw.org.za Open Access in remote regions, among other things, were getting in the way of Botswana's efforts to continue preparing for the 4IR through education.…”

Glimpse into Botswana’s AI Readiness Landscape

“…The findings in this section indicate that there is a challenge with human capital in Botswana. In support of this, a study by Uleanya (2022) averred that the achievement of the 4IR practices is founded on the availability of human capital. However, in Botswana, there are several challenges, such as a shortage of qualified personnel, a lack of funds, limited equipment, and non-alignment of the curricula of schools with the demand for the 4IR (Uleanya, 2022).…”

“…In support of this, a study by Uleanya (2022) averred that the achievement of the 4IR practices is founded on the availability of human capital. However, in Botswana, there are several challenges, such as a shortage of qualified personnel, a lack of funds, limited equipment, and non-alignment of the curricula of schools with the demand for the 4IR (Uleanya, 2022). A low level of computer literacy was also attested to by Raesima (2021), and this is affecting the uptake and usage of government esystems.…”