Investigating the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Lifelong Learning for Information Technology Students at a University of Technology
Moretlo Tlale-Mkhize 
, Dina Moloja & Bekithemba Dube
Issue: Vol.6 No.10 Article 29 pp.2636 – 2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561029 | Published online 30th September, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This theoretical paper examines the role of artificial intelligence as a tool for supporting the lifelong learning of students in Internet Technologies. With the advancement of artificial intelligence technology, education can be transformed through customized and flexible active learning. However, integrating artificial intelligence into Internet Technologies is a challenge, including coping with rapid technological change, lack of proper infrastructure, addressing the issues of varied learning, securing data privacy, and integrating artificial intelligence with existing educational frameworks. To do these things, the paper employed Activity Theory as a lens to explore the possibilities of AI as a learning mediator in social, cultural and historical settings, where communities and societies have a relation and attachment to learning. As a framework, Activity Theory was used to understand the relationship among students, artificial intelligence applications and their learning contexts, and how they affect students’ participation and level of learning. This study is based on secondary data to investigate the role of artificial intelligence in lifelong learning for Information Technology students. Literature was sought from different databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. The study stresses the importance of adapting artificial intelligence applications to different educational settings to maximize their effectiveness. It highlights that, when thoughtfully integrated, artificial intelligence can significantly enhance lifelong learning for Internet Technologies students, who must continually adapt to rapidly changing technological advancements. The argument premised in this paper is that artificial intelligence used in internet technologies has the potential to promote lifelong learning among university students.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Internet Technologies, Activity Theory, Lifelong Learning, Information Technology
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Moretlo Tlale-Mkhize serves as a Departmental Manager and lecturer at the Central University of Technology in Free State, where she specializes in Graphical User Interface (GUI) Design. She holds PhD in Computer Science and Information Systems from North West University. With a strong academic and professional focus, her research spans several key areas, including teaching and learning technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Reflective Practice. Throughout her career, Moretlo has actively contributed to the academic community by presenting her research and insights at both national and international conferences, allowing her to share valuable knowledge and findings with a wider audience. Her work is dedicated to advancing the intersection of technology, user experience, and education, as she continues to explore innovative approaches in these fields. Additionally, her commitment to fostering reflective and interactive teaching practices plays a key role in shaping modern educational methodologies in the realm of technology and design.
Dina Moloja serves as a Lecturer and Executive Coordinator for Community Engagement in the Department of Information Technology at the Central University of Technology. Beyond her formal roles, she is deeply passionate about research and knowledge creation. Her scholarly interests span across emerging and impactful fields such as Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Mobile Technologies, and the integration of Technology in Education. Over the years, she has actively contributed to the academic community by sharing her insights and findings at both national and international conferences. In addition to presenting her own work, she has also taken on leadership responsibilities such as chairing sessions, demonstrating her commitment not only to advancing research but also to fostering dialogue and collaboration among peers. Through her work, Dina strives to bridge the gap between technology, education, and community development, ensuring that her contributions extend beyond academia and into meaningful societal impact.
Bekithemba Dube is a full Professor in Curriculum Studies and a Director for the Centre for Diversity in Higher Education at Central University of Technology. He holds PhD in Curriculum Studies from UFS. He has written extensively on the area of Curriculum, Politics and Religion in Post colonial African countries. He has published more than 180 articles and book chapters in accredited journals in the past 7 years. He has successfully edited five books on curriculum, politics and religion and edited 8 special issues on education. He is currently section editor for Alternation journal, Associate Editor E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and Associate Editor for the E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, chief editor Journal of Educational and Learning Technologies, he is also the Chief Editor of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Rural and Community Studies all accreditedwith DHET. He has established a new journal at CUT, Journal of Humanities, Educational Technology and Innovation. He has served as program director for Foundation and Intermediate phase, a Head of Department for Education Foundations and department of Curriculum Studies at UFS. He is a visiting Professor at Appalachian State University (USA), Bayreuth University, in Germany. He has presented guest lectures in Universities in Germany, Spain, Japan, Greece, Zimbabwe, Zambia among many other countries. In addition, he has received funding such as Thuthuka, USDP award with Colorado State University (USA) and UK-SADP with University of highlands and Inlands (Scotland). He has received various excellent awards for being exceptional in research for 5 consecutive years. teaching and engaged scholarship. In 2020 he was ranked top 3 researcher at UFS out of 3000 academics for prolific publications. He is currently working with various project with countries in the Caribbean and Central America such as Belize, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent, Jamaica among many others. He has established a new research centre called Sechaba-Jennifer sustainable learning based in Central America. He has supervised several successful Masters, PhDs and Post Doctoral Fellows. He has examined various PhD and Masters students across the globe
Tlale-Mkhize, Moretlo, Dina Moloja and Bekithemba Dube.“ Investigating the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Lifelong Learning for Information Technology Students at a University of Technology,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 10 (2025): 2636 – 2649, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561029
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
