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AI is evolving and growing in impact in a number of spaces. We’re increasingly hearing about the role of AI in L&D and with advancements in areas like generative AI, there are a number of possibilities and use cases for AI in learning and development initiatives in business. AI can be used to complement traditional forms of L&D, however the latest research from CIPD shows that “despite 68 per cent of L&D leaders agreeing that their teams are successfully using the learning technologies available to them, only 5 per cent were actually using AI tools in February 2023”
Benefits
As mentioned, AI adds an additional element in the learning process, to help employees consolidate new learnings. It can help to save time, as AI can process huge amounts of information incredibly quickly, driving efficiency in the learning process.
Simplifying long-form content allows learners to break down and understand complex ideas and navigate dense information/subject matter related to the topic they are studying. It can make the process more interactive as AI answers questions in real time, sharing explanations and bringing ideas to life to help learners.
Another benefit, is that AI can provide a more personalised approach to learning. It can tailor its contents and outputs in relation to a learner's needs, providing the support necessary for individual learners, rather than the standard one-size fits all policy. It can help drive better outcomes, especially as a follow on from typical learning systems, such as presentations and other group learning initiatives. Individuals can take the information and use AI to help them embed learnings in a way that works for them, personally.
Drawbacks
So, we’ve established the benefits of AI and the role it plays in the future of learning. There is potential for AI to drive better learning outcomes for businesses, which has yet to be untapped. However, AI alone cannot solve all our learning challenges. There is no one, simple solution to all of our problems, so let's look at some of the drawbacks of AI…
AI can make mistakes. It relies on human knowledge and is not infallible, particularly in grey areas or more niche and nuanced topics. Quality assurance is obviously paramount and this relies on the provision of information and leaders who must monitor AI systems to ensure the outputs are reliable.
This leads onto the second point, AI cannot replace creativity or original thinking, which is another essential part of the learning process. We do not simply learn by osmosis, but by engaging with subject matter critically and creatively to derive the outputs in a way that work for the individual.
Also, AI cannot replace people in the learning process, whether it's leaders, managers, mentors, colleagues, etc. Engaging and working with others at various levels can drive the learning outcomes in a way that AI cannot.
Practise
This leads onto my final point. Whilst AI can augment the learning process, streamlining certain aspects such as knowledge transfer, providing a new, efficient and effective way for learners to gain new knowledge, it leaves out a vital part of the learning consolidation process. Retention and more importantly, application.
People need relevant opportunities to apply new concepts and ideas and put them into practise. This is how they will be expected to utilise new knowledge in the workplace, which leaves a gap between the learning process and what learners are expected to do with new knowledge. In a post-COVID world, where many have missed vital opportunities to learn and practise skills in the workplace, opportunities like this are needed now, more than ever. Whilst AI can help learners get ready to practise their new skills, people still need opportunities to practise and build confidence.
That’s where Ethical Angel comes in. We bring employees together to provide them with opportunities to practice skills in a real world environment, all whilst making a positive impact. This helps to bridge the gap between learning and doing, complementing the vital benefits of traditional learning alongside AI to provide your people with a truly holistic approach to learning.
