Ms. Zuleika Suliman | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

University of South Africa | South Africa

BIOGRAPHY OF MS. ZULEIKA SULIMAN 📚👩‍🏫

INTRODUCTION

Ms. Zuleika Suliman is a dynamic and passionate educator, deeply committed to enhancing the learning experience through innovative teaching strategies, student-centered approaches, and cutting-edge technology. She holds an MA in English Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she also completed a wide array of specialized training programs. Ms. Suliman’s career in academia spans over a decade, marked by her significant contributions to teaching, research, and student mentorship in the fields of English studies, education, and e-learning.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Ms. Suliman’s academic journey began at the University of Pretoria, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English Studies, specializing in Arabic, Journalism, TESOL, and Language Editing. Building on her academic foundation, she later pursued her Honours Degree in English Literature and Language at the University of South Africa (UNISA), culminating in her current studies for a Master’s Degree in English Studies, which she is set to complete in 2025. Her early years were marked by a fervent passion for education, as she excelled in mathematics, science, Arabic, and language arts during her school years at Pretoria Muslim School.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🏫

Ms. Suliman’s professional career includes her current role as a Junior Lecturer at UNISA, where she not only teaches various English courses but also leads several significant academic projects, including an AI research initiative with publications. She has a proven track record of success, managing large groups of students—over 5000 students for first-year courses and 600 for postgraduate modules. Her role as a mentor, editor of departmental newspapers, and active member of various academic committees showcases her dedication to the academic community.

Ms. Suliman has a vast experience with the development of curriculum materials, tutorials, assessments, and online resources for her students. Her efforts extend beyond traditional teaching to creating dynamic, virtual learning environments using tools like Microsoft Teams, Moodle, podcasts, and other digital resources.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE🔬

Her research focuses on exploring innovative e-learning strategies to improve workplace English competence, specifically within Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) environments in South Africa. As she continues her PhD in Applied English Language Studies, her research aims to influence the way online education is delivered, providing valuable insights into student engagement, experience, and learning outcomes in digital learning platforms.

Her contributions to education include mentoring research projects, supporting student academic progress, and reviewing journal articles. She has been instrumental in shaping programs that improve student retention and success in online learning contexts.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Ms. Suliman’s student-centered approach and focus on leveraging e-learning technologies have significantly impacted her students’ educational journeys. Through her development of online content, tutorials, livestream sessions, and the creation of interactive learning experiences, she has enhanced student engagement, knowledge retention, and overall academic success. She promotes collaboration, teamwork, and open communication, both with her students and peers.

Her mentorship extends to various projects, including the Can Themba Festival and a student support initiative, where she has worked tirelessly to promote student well-being, academic excellence, and career development.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 📚

Ms. Suliman has contributed to the academic community with numerous research papers and publications. Her research on the integration of AI in education and its impact on student performance has been well-received in both academic circles and professional networks. She continues to collaborate with colleagues to publish findings and present at academic conferences, focusing on the advancement of educational methodologies in the 21st century.

HONORS & AWARDS 🏆

Ms. Suliman’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has received several accolades throughout her career, including:

• Scholarship Program at the University of Pretoria for the BSc undergraduate course “Up with Science” Program.
• Mont Blanc Award for Writing – Explorer Program in Literature.
• Sunday Times Rising Star Achievement – Youth Development.
• Graduate of the Mentorship Program at UNISA.

Her passion and dedication to her work have earned her recognition within both the academic and professional realms.

FINAL NOTE 📝

As a trailblazer in the field of education, Ms. Zuleika Suliman continues to inspire and impact the lives of countless students. Her journey, from a young learner to an accomplished academic, reflects her unwavering commitment to education. Through her innovative teaching methods, research, and mentoring, she is shaping the future of education in South Africa and beyond.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

Looking ahead, Ms. Suliman is determined to leave a lasting legacy in the field of education by further enhancing online learning strategies, improving digital literacy, and fostering a global academic community that is both inclusive and engaging. Her future contributions will continue to focus on research in applied English language studies, the integration of technology in education, and the development of future generations of learners and educators.

TOP NOTES PUBLICATIONS 📚

Advancing students’ academic excellence in distance education: Exploring the potential of generative AI integration to improve academic writing skills

• • Authors: KB Maphoto, K Sevnarayan, NE Mohale, Z Suliman, TJ Ntsopi
  • Journal: Open Praxis
  • Year: 2024

Continuing professional development (CPD): a necessary component in the workplace or not?

• • Authors: Z Suliman, W Kruger, JA Pienaar
  • Journal: The Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology of South Africa
  • Year: 2020

The interconnectedness between Ubuntu principles and generative artificial intelligence in distance higher education institutions

• • Authors: Z Suliman, NE Mohale, KB Maphoto, K Sevnarayan
  • Journal: Discover Education
  • Year: 2024

Exploring the Impact of E-Learning Strategies on Enhancing Workplace English Competence at an Open Distance E-Learning (ODeL) University in South Africa

• • Authors: KB Maphoto, Z Suliman
  • Journal: Research in Social Sciences and Technology
  • Year: 2024

Artificial intelligence or augmented intelligence? Experiences of lecturers and students in an ODeL university

• • Authors: NE Mohale, Z Suliman, K Maphoto, K Sevnarayan, D Mokoena, TJ Ntsopi
  • Journal: Acitya: Journal of Teaching and Education
  • Year: 2024

The Nexus of Business English and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Leveraging Moodle’s Potential to Augment Lecturers’ Pedagogies for Student Support

• • Authors: K Sevnarayan, Z Suliman
  • Journal: Scrutiny2
  • Year: 2024