Degrees Held
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of KwaZulu- Natal, (2022)
- Master of Education, University of KwaZulu- Natal, (2018)
- Bachelor of Education Honours, University of KwaZulu- Natal, (2015)
- Bachelor of Education, University of KwaZulu- Natal (2014)
Research Interests
- Curriculum Studies
- Educational technology
- The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education
- Blended and Hybrid learning approaches
- Online/remote/ e-learning
- Assessment in education (online and traditional)
Teaching Interests
- Curriculum studies
- The use of technology in education
- Curriculum theories and approaches
- Curriculum reforms
- Education systems in developed and developing countries
- Teaching and learning theories
- Sociology of education
- Academic literacy
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Chapters In Books
Journal Articles
- Murti., G.H., Subaharianto, A., Muttaqin, M. Z., Kaiku, P., Sokhulu., L.H. (2026). The Incentive of Bullshit: ChatGPT and the Loss of Truth’s Functional Privilege. Philosophy & Technology. 39(1).1-6.
- Nene, L.G., & Sokhulu, L.H. (2025). Digitalising the curriculum: teachers’ integration of technological resources into the caps framework. African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning, 9(8), 1138-1149. https://doi.org/10.70875/v9i8article5
- Sokhulu., LH., Nzimande N., Khoza., SB. (2025). Exploring postgraduate students’ research identities when using digital technology for research. South African Journal of Education, 45(4). 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v45n4a2690
- Sokhulu, L. H., Zulu, M. W., & Lott-Naidoo, D. (2025). Artificial intelligence in higher education South Africa: The role of ChatGPT in students’ learning. Journal of Education, (99), 142-166.
- Sokhulu, L. H., & Ndebele, N. C. (2025). Students’ Perceptions of Digital Technologies’ Efficiency for Research During and Before the COVID-19 Era. 9(1).135-149 https://doi.org/10.70875/v9i1article11
- Sokhulu, L. H., Nzimande, N., & Makumane, M. A. (2024). postgraduate students’ experiences of using endnote in research studies. Social Sciences and Education Research Review. 11(1). 227-237
- Sokhulu, L. H., & Nzimande, N. (2023). Pre-service teachers’ experiences of mentoring relationships during teaching practice. International Journal of Sciences and Research 79(1) 67-87. 10.21506/j.ponte.2023.1.5.
- Zuma, S., Khoza, S. B., & Sokhulu, L.H. (2022). Representation of E-Learning Ideological-ware Resources in COVID-19 Articles Alternation Special Edition 39: 79 – 115. https://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2022/sp39a5
- Sokhulu, L. H. (2021). Students’ experiences of using digital technologies to address their personal research needs during the COVID-19 lockdown. African Identities, 19(4), 436-452. https://doi.org/10.1080/14725843.2020.18013841
Chapters In Books
- Sokhulu, L. H. (2025). Exploring the Learning Environments Utilised in Higher Education. Curriculum Development and Evaluation, 195-210.
- Sokhulu, L. H. (2023). Postgraduate Student Experiences of Using YouTube as a Research Tool for Learning: A Case Study. In Advancing Self-Directed Learning in Higher Education (pp. 120-133). IGI Global. 10.4018/978-1-6684-6772-5.ch007
- Sokhulu, L. H. (2023). Is Turnitin for Punitive or Educative Measures in Postgraduate Students’ Research Experiences?. 10.36615/9781776447459-12
Community Engagement
- The Code & Career Connect (2026): This is a 4 week programme aiming to empower high school learners in Eshowe with the digital, academic, and career-readiness skills required to participate meaningfully in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. The programme introduces learners to foundational digital tools, coding, artificial intelligence literacies, and professional competencies through structured, hands-on learning experiences. Overall, the programme prepares learners to become digitally competent, career-ready, innovative, and adaptable individuals who can thrive academically and professionally in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Strengthening civic engagement through teacher development (2025): In partnership with Fulbright, the US Embassy, University of KwaZulu-Natal and local schools around the Pinetown and Umlazi Districts, the primary goal of this project is to enhance the implementation of civic education in schools by providing comprehensive and specialised development workshops for teachers. The 2-week project led by Dr Lerato Sokhulu (UKZN) and facilitated by a US civic education specialist Prof Justin Coles (UMass) who focused on training teachers on effective strategies to implement civic education in classrooms, fostering civic engagement among both teachers and learners.
- Study if the United States Institutes (2023): I took part in the prestigious Study of the United States (SUSI) visiting scholar programme in 2023 hosted by the university of Massachusetts (UMass) in the United States of America. The programme enrolled 17 distinguished academics from various countries and I represented South Africa. We engaged in politics and educational matters of the United States in relation to our own countries. The aim was to return to our home countries with specific civic initiatives to implement using the knowledge skills and first-hand experience of the American society.
- Young African Leaders Initiative (Education Change Makers in 2022): I was selected to represent KwaZulu- Natal in promoting the professional advancement of our African youth. The programme was funded by the Trevor Noah Foundation and USAID. During the programme, we engaged in philanthropic activities in Gauteng and pitched our innovative projects that bring change to the education sector.
- UKZN/ BANKSETA Community project (2021): I facilitated the work-readiness programme held in Tzaneen, Limpopo province. My responsibilities included developing the programme, planning and teaching learners about workplace skills, ethics, and values in preparation for the future.
Teaching Expertise
- Curriculum studies
- Educational Technology
- Curriculum theories and approaches
- Curriculum reforms
- Education systems in developed and developing countries
- Teaching and learning theories
- Sociology of education
- Academic literacy
Student Supervision
Honours
Masters
PhD
Honours
- Texas Munjoma (2022)
- Nomali Bele (2022)
- Nokwethemba Ngcobo (2022)
- Likhona Gumede (2022)
- Siyanda Gumede (2022)
- Fathima Ismail (2023)
- Mcebo Maluleka (2023)
- Bonisanani Ngubane (2024)
- Lindelwa Madlala (2024)
- Makhosazane Khumalo (2025)
Masters
- Thela Zothani (2025)
- Ndlovu Angelbatch Zakhona (2025)
- Netshongolwe Goitsemang Annah (2025)
- Munjoma Texas
- Sukku Seema
- Esinalo Cenga
- Thandeka Shabangu
- Thembelihle Gumede
- Vamisile Mngadi
- Fakazi Hlatshwayo
- Smangele Madonsela
PhD
- Mkhize Zime Lungelwa (2026)
- Mbona Simphiwe
- Nonkululeko Sithole
- Mafata Paul Mafata