Empowering Self-Directed Mathematics Learning through Artificial Intelligence

An African Perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56741/jetia.v1i03.1153


Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Educational Technology, Mathematics Instruction, Self-Directed Learning, South Africa

Abstract

`In the evolving educational landscape, self-directed learning (SDL) is gaining momentum as a pivotal approach to personalized education. This paper explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support SDL in mathematics instruction within the African context. Despite systemic challenges in the region's educational infrastructure, AI presents an opportunity to overcome teacher shortages, unequal resource distribution, and varied student learning needs. Through a conceptual framework and literature-supported analysis, we argue that AI-driven learning environments can significantly enhance learners' autonomy and performance in mathematics. Results from secondary data and expert interviews are presented in two analytical subsections, highlighting opportunities and challenges of AI integration in SDL. The article concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers and educators.

Author Biographies

Judah P. Makonye, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg

is a senior academic at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He is an expert in mathematics education with a research focus on mathematical modeling, pedagogical content knowledge, and the professional development of mathematics teachers in under-resourced contexts. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to advancing mathematics teaching strategies in the Global South. His scholarly work is indexed in Google Scholar and Scopus, reflecting his active engagement in international academic discourse. He continues to play a pivotal role in mentoring future educators and researchers in the field. (email: judah.Makonye@wits.ac.za).

Dwi Sulisworo, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan

is a Professor and senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, self-directed learning, and educational innovation in science and teacher education. He has published extensively in international journals and conference proceedings and is actively involved in community empowerment and digital transformation projects in education. (email: dwi.sulisworo@uad.ac.id).

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Published

2025-10-29

How to Cite

Makonye, J. P., & Sulisworo, D. (2025). Empowering Self-Directed Mathematics Learning through Artificial Intelligence: An African Perspective. Journal of Educational Technology Innovation and Applications, 1(03), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.56741/jetia.v1i03.1153

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 03 (2025): Journal of Educational Technology Innovation and Applications

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Judah P. Makonye, Dwi Sulisworo

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