AI and Lifelong Learning in Education is an ongoing process for most people in the modern workforce due to technology changing how people work, using the skills learned in school to be successful in today’s job market is extremely important because the workplace has changed since you graduated.
There are many different options available that use artificial intelligence and ongoing learning opportunities to create a customised experience based on individual interests, goals, and priorities. Smart platforms take advantage of AI to help you find what works best for you and to provide a customised experience that supports your long-term success by giving you the ability to balance work and family life while continuing to acquire new skills. This post provides insight into how smart platforms backed by AI are helping people become more capable of successfully navigating a career in the future.
The Rise of Lifelong Learning in the Adult Workforce
There has long been an idea of learning continuously through a person’s life, but now this idea has become more important than ever before because of significant changes that have occurred over the years due to new technology (e.g. automation) and economic globalisation.
In many professions today, a worker may have been trained on something that was once valued, ten or twenty years ago but is now worthless. Many new job opportunities also are also created so quickly—they cannot keep up with the processes of getting people trained over the same period they create new opportunities.
Returning to school full-time can often be unfeasible for many adults because they are constrained by time and financial aspects. With the advent and application of artificial intelligence and lifelong learning, adults may take advantage of increased flexibility, easier access and information to meet a person’s individual goal toward continuous learning without the disruptions found with traditional education.
Continued recognition by Governments, Employers and Educational Institutions have provided the impetus to promote the importance of continual learning in order to assist Piloting of Intelligent Learning Platforms as solutions for those individuals who wish to have additional learning but do not wish to interrupt their daily lives.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Adult Learning Today
Artificial Intelligence (AI) introduces a level of flexibility and intelligence to digital learning environments; as such, AI enables the analysis of learner engagement, success, and preference to make the online learning experience more productive than a static online course.
In terms of how AI is revolutionizing the way we approach our lifelong learning experience, there are a number of factors at play:
- Personalised Learning Paths based on your current skill level and objectives
- Adaptive Assessment that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on how you have performed at each stage
- Smart Content Recommendations to fill any gaps in your knowledge.
- Data-driven Insight to Help Learners Assess Their Progress.
All of the above features allow adults to focus on what is important, given that they are now being presented with a learning opportunity that will enhance their knowledge of the subject they study. Instead of being forced to take a course that does not fit their needs, adult learners will be using a learning system that fits their specific personal and professional goals.
What are the differences between intelligent and traditional e-learning platforms?
While traditional e-learning encompasses all types of online courses, intelligent e-learning may include AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and learning analytics. These AI-related technologies allow the continuous development of the platform.
Characteristics of Intelligent e-Learning Platforms
1. Personalised Learning Opportunities
Personalisation is one of the most significant benefits of using machine learning to support adult learners throughout their lives. Intelligent education platforms can utilise machine learning algorithms to customise lessons to match the individual learner’s prior knowledge, pace of learning and preferred methods of obtaining information. Personalised learning is particularly important for adult learners who have multiple responsibilities.
2. Real-Time Feedback and Support
AI systems provide learners with immediate feedback on their quizzes, assignments, and practice exercises. The ability for learners to receive feedback in real-time helps them make corrections to mistakes and increase their confidence over time.
3. Flexible and Self-Paced Learning
Adults are most successful when they can determine when they want to learn and how long they want to spend in a learning environment. Intelligent education platforms enable learners to pause, continue, and revisit course content whenever necessary, thus allowing them to learn in accordance with their daily schedules.
Using AI to Reskill Popular Skills for Adults
As business technology continues to advance, the need for workers to upskill (or reskill) continues. AI assists workers in expanding their skill set and provides them with many tools to further their future career success.
Below are some of the most popular areas that workers are focusing on:
- Digital and Computer Literacy
- Data Analysis & Basic AI
- Project Management/Lead
- Cybersecurity/Information Security
- Creative Skills Design/Content Strategy
AI doesn’t magically provide you with suggestions on all of these topics; however, AI helps create an organised approach to learning this information and allows for users to measure their progress as they apply their skills in real-life scenarios.
AI as a Learning Companion, Not a Shortcut
AI should be viewed in the context of a support system for continuous education rather than just a faster way to learn.
Platforms that are considered responsible will stress:
- Development of skills instead of taking shortcuts
- Practising / Reflection on the new skill instead of just relying on an automated system
- Supporting your growth along your unique journey while maintaining integrity.
Through working with AI (when used responsibly), you may receive suggestions regarding resources and will have an understanding of what areas you may be struggling with. However, true meaningful learning cannot come from using AI alone; it still requires engagement, critical feedback, and reasoning skills to utilise all that you have learned. Therefore, when Machine Learning assists the individual in self-learning, it assists in the educational process instead of hindering it.
The Employee’s Role in Lifelong Learning Enabled by AI
Employers are increasingly pushing for continuous education for their employees. Skills upgrading has moved from being an employee treat to being part of the employer’s requirement.
Employers provide support for AI/Lifetime Learning through partnerships with intelligent education platforms by:
- Providing resources that have been curated through extensive research/libraries
- Identifying the skills needed by the organisation through the use of analytics to identify gaps in knowledge/ability
- Fostering opportunities for internal mobility within the organisation and for growth.
The two-way benefits of this approach create a culture of continuous learning that is resilient to change rather than merely responsive.
Artificial Intelligence, Accessibility, and Inclusion
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to create a new level of accessibility and inclusion in education through its application in Lifelong Learning. Intelligent platforms can provide learners with varying abilities, languages and backgrounds access to education.
A few examples of how AI is creating this inclusive environment include:
- AI-generated captions and transcripts.
- AI-created learning paths based on individual pacing for unique learning situations.
- Language translation and simplified language tools for learners.
- Adaptive interfaces are designed to create an accessible environment.
When developed and utilised responsibly, Artificial Intelligence is capable of providing previously underrepresented adults in Traditional Education Systems with opportunities for education via Artificial Intelligence.
Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful technology that brings great possibilities in education, but it is important that we approach its use thoughtfully. Ethical concerns are part of the conversation on Artificial Intelligence and lifelong learning.
Some of the most important ethical concerns concerning Artificial Intelligence include:
- Data Privacy and Learner Consent
- Transparency about how AI recommends learning paths
- Avoiding Bias in Algorithms
- Maintaining Human Oversight in the Learning Decision Process
It is the responsibility of the Educational Platform, Policymakers, and Users to promote Ethical Use of AI. Trust is necessary for any Lifelong Learning System to be Successful.
AI Policy and Governance for Education
AI in Education is an emerging issue, so Governments are creating policy frameworks to govern how AI is used in educational settings. The primary purpose of these frameworks is to protect Students while promoting Innovation.
The broader concept of AI and Lifelong Learning is to create effective Policy that:
- Provides Quality Standards – Digital Education
- Protects Learner Data Privacy
- Encourages Access to Educational Resources for ALL Learners
- Encourages Transparency and Accountability
CLEAR Policy Guidelines Will Ensure that AI-Powered Education is a Public Good and Not an Agent of Inequality.
The Opportunities and Barriers of Learning through AI and Learning in a Lifelong Capacity
AI and Lifelong Learning offer many benefits; however, these benefits are not able to eliminate the challenges adults face. Digital confidence, motivation, and access to reliable technology can all be barriers for adults.
Barriers to do personal learning include:
- Limited Time for Work/Family
- Fear of Using New/Advanced Technology
- Unequal Access to Devices/Internet
- Too Many Different Learning Platforms/Courses
To overcome these barriers, adults will need community support, guidance, and a clear structure for learning. In addition to having an appropriate platform, adults will need access to the proper resources.
The Future of AI and Lifelong Learning
As we look toward the future, the relationship between AI and education will likely grow closer. Future learning platforms will likely be even more immersive, responsive, and collaborative.
As we progress into an era of AI and lifelong learning, we can expect to see:
- Employers will have a more efficient method of mapping skills to the marketplace
- More integration of learning into everyday life
- Better collaboration between Humans and AI in Education
- More emphasis on ethical and responsible design
The focus is not on constant retraining for retraining’s sake, but on providing adults with the ability to learn in a meaningful way and continuously grow their adaptability through confident use of technology.
Practical Application Of Artificial Intelligence In Adult Learning
In adult education, AI technologies fulfill their potential if the adult learners have effectively articulated the competencies that are enabled through the course. The ability of AI tech to adjust by delivering material based on a students’ profile contributes to their motivation in mastering the learning process. When using AI, the adult learner with developed digital skillsets has a better ability to adapt quickly; however they will require an onboarding approach that eases Developing digital skill sets.
Limitations and Challenges
Learners with minimal or no technical skills may become inundated with the use of AI-based learning technologies. Additionally independent learning requires the ability to be disciplined; many learners will not succeed in an independent/self-paced manner without the support of a structured learning environment.
Ethical And Responsible Use
Adult learners should understand how their learning data is captured and used. Ethical use of learning data will ensure transparency and no use of tactics aimed at manipulating their engagement in the learning process.
Final Thoughts
Learning has always been an important part of life for people; however, today learning is not just a luxury to be enjoyed. Learning must be part of everyone’s life every day because of rapidly changing industries and changing career paths. Lifelong learning and artificial intelligence represent a number of solutions that can be used together (or as stand-alone options) to provide people with the means to continue learning.
Many intelligent education platforms are designed to provide support for individuals who are ready to advance their personal and/or professional development and are seeking a way to grow better, faster and more ethically. Intelligent education platforms honour individuals’ interests and motivations by providing them with tools that enable them to take charge of their own learning.
In a world where change is the norm, lifelong learning supported by artificial intelligence is not about simply keeping pace with technological advancements or trends. Lifelong learning supported by artificial intelligence will provide individuals with the confidence and knowledge to go into the future with a clear vision and the ability to make purposeful decisions for their lives.
Kotaru Venkata Ramana
I write about AI in education and AI exploration, focusing on how artificial intelligence can support learning, teaching, and the future of education in simple and practical ways.