Can AI enhance learning and development?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is very controversial right now. HR leaders are divided on the role of AI in the workplace, as indicated by this HR Leader article. This article aims to explore whether AI has the potential to be of benefit in learning and development.

Understanding generative AI

Generative AI is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on creating content, such as text, images, music, or even videos, that is original and coherent.

It goes beyond traditional AI systems that perform predefined tasks by generating new, contextually relevant content through the understanding of patterns, styles, and contexts present in the data it has been trained on.

Bersin’s 5 disruptive changes in L&D due to AI

Josh Bersin is a well-known and highly regarded research analyst, speaker, and writer in the areas of human resources, technology, learning, and leadership. He believes that AI can have a “massive impact on learning and development”, as outlined in his podcast, which you can find here.

Bersin believes there are five disruptive changes in L&D due to AI:

1. Personalised learning paths

AI enables the creation of personalised learning journeys for each individual, considering their skills, preferences, and learning pace. This personalisation enhances engagement and effectiveness by tailoring content to learners’ specific needs.

2. Real-time feedback and coaching

AI-driven platforms can provide instant feedback and coaching to learners. This real-time guidance helps learners improve their performance immediately and encourages continuous learning and skill development.

3. AI-powered content creation

AI can generate training content such as simulations, scenarios, and quizzes. This capability speeds up content creation and allows L&D teams to focus on higher-level tasks, fostering more efficient and innovative training programs.

4. Data-driven insights

AI can analyse vast amounts of training data to identify trends, patterns, and gaps in learning. This data-driven approach helps organisations make informed decisions about their L&D strategies and optimise training effectiveness.

5. Skill gap analysis and upskilling

AI can assess employees’ skills and identify skill gaps. This information empowers organisations to develop targeted upskilling programs that address specific competency shortages, contributing to a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

Josh Bersin’s corporate learning research, as detailed in his Definitive Guide to Learning, identifies two key drivers of success in learning and development (L&D) today.

Firstly, success is linked to prioritising not only skill development but also overall employee growth.

Secondly, the demand for more practical, interactive learning experiences that seamlessly integrate into the work environment (“learning in the flow of work”) is increasing.

This is an area where AI can play a crucial role in enhancing L&D outcomes. AI can integrate learning experiences seamlessly into the work environment. By providing relevant information and resources at the right moment, AI enables employees to learn while performing their tasks, enhancing knowledge retention and application.

Empowering personalised learning

• Tailored content creation: Generative AI enables L&D professionals to develop personalised training content that resonates with individual learners. This technology can analyse learners’ preferences, learning styles, and progress data to craft content that aligns with their unique needs.

• Adaptive role-playing: Incorporating AI-generated scenarios into training courses allows learners to practice real-world situations in a safe and controlled environment. The AI can simulate different personas, creating diverse interactions that help learners develop practical skills and gain confidence.

• AI mentors: By integrating generative AI as a virtual mentor, organisations can offer continuous support and guidance to learners. These AI mentors can provide instant answers to queries, offer clarifications on complex topics, and provide resources for further exploration.

Enhancing engagement and interactivity

• Conversational learning: Generative AI-powered chatbots facilitate interactive learning experiences by engaging learners in natural language conversations. This not only enhances understanding but also makes learning more enjoyable and accessible.

• Real-time feedback: AI-driven personalised quizzes can provide immediate feedback to learners, reinforcing their understanding and enabling them to identify areas that require further improvement. This timely feedback accelerates the learning process.

• Gamification: Generative AI can contribute to gamified learning experiences by generating content for quizzes, challenges, and competitions. This boosts engagement and motivation among learners, creating an immersive learning environment.

As Cam Elliot, country manager of GoodHabitz, noted: “Role-playing has typically been a very effective learning technique but one that many learners avoid due to the potential embarrassment of failure in front of peers. However, with the possibility to now practice with an AI assistant, this might change. We are very excited about incorporating AI into GoodHabitz. We are not only bringing role-playing to GoodHabitz but also a personalised AI mentor, conversational learning, real-time feedback and gamification.”

Conclusion

Generative AI is reshaping the landscape of learning and development by enabling personalised, engaging, and interactive training experiences. GoodHabitz’s integration of ChatGPT into their online training courses showcases the potential of this technology to revolutionise corporate learning. As organisations continue to embrace AI-driven solutions, the future of L&D is set to be more dynamic, effective, and learner-centric than ever before.

By Christine Day, field marketing manager, GoodHabitz