Artificial Intelligence and the Learning Revolution

The rise of the robots has been portrayed as exciting and even terrifying in all forms of media. The concept of terminating soldiers from the future isn’t reality, we now know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to help. There have been worldwide developments in robotics, and the discoveries in the world of learning are rapidly growing.

The use of AI in the different learning sectors has been showcased by pioneers in the technology space. In Germany, Professor Jürgen Handke made his mark in the robotics industry by introducing a robot assistant to help in his lecture practice. Let’s explore how AI is revolutionising workplace learning, higher education, and government learning across the globe.

Corporate learning: beyond technology

Corporate and workplace learning has displayed a successful utilisation of advanced technology. Artificial Intelligence is among the technological tools that have generated the most usage and success in L&D, alongside Virtual Reality and the Metaverse. Arguably, Artificial Intelligence is the newest of these advanced investments to be implemented into L&D, because it demands more knowledge and budget. Not every workplace has the financial capacity to even consider working with robotics, and there are only so many professionals with the ability to work with them successfully.

Artificial Intelligence is said to have a big impact on workplaces in the near future. The World Economic Forum estimates that AI will create a net total of 97million new jobs by 2025, meaning the need for AI skills is in high demand. Artificial Intelligence, in turn, can help with the actual process of learning these skills at work. AI is able to make learning and training more personalised by having the ability to predict learning outcomes, tailoring the learning pathway to the individual. You can use Artificial Intelligence to predict and tailor content and personal objectives, enhancing the engagement with the learner. AI also provides ongoing mentorship, where learners can ask as many questions as they like, anytime they like, unlike a human that has knowledge and availability restrictions. The use of Artificial Intelligence also helps the trainer as well as the trainee – AI can generate new content, producing new material while saving time and resources for you.

AI and pedagogical power

Robotics are increasingly being used in universities around the world. In addition to Jürgen Handke’s ingenious contribution to EdTech resources, there are numerous examples of where Artificial Intelligence is being utilised to enhance student experiences in higher education. In terms of geographics, Scandinavia and America are particularly key at this point in time.

There have also been developments in schools. In Asia, a powerful start-up called Probo has produced a line of robotics for young children to learn mathematics in a more efficient, personalised way. Exposing children to robotic means of learning has been controversial in the past, but Covid-19 has assured people that the need for digital learning is vital for everyone, regardless of age. Probo has designed robots that allow for both cognitive and physical interaction with children, ensuring that the learning pathway is creative – thus stimulating – as well as practical. Furthermore, the robots are designed to hold expressions, which is imperative for both children’s attention spans and development when learning.

In the UK and US, the University of Coventry and the University of Cincinnati are working together to close the AI skills gap. With the rapidly growing demand and use of Artificial Intelligence, both these universities have recognised the need for more organisations to implement training courses, so people have the skills relevant to AI. The two institutions are designing an MSc course on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors’, with students completing different parts of the course at each university. With the increase in Artificial Intelligence use in the working world, students being job-ready, means being AI-ready. The course will not only give a deeper understanding of AI, but also the influence it has on humans, which addresses the ongoing importance of social learning.

What does the future hold for AI in learning?

If you want to know more about this topic and many others, be sure to book your conference pass to attend OEB this year. Securing your ticket means securing your pass to sessions and workshops on digital learning in the three main sectors all discussed in this article. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates regarding L&D, higher education as well as government and civil society learning.

Written for OEB Global 2022 by Chloë Sibley.