I have been teaching for some time, in different contexts and for different projects. A couple of ancillary courses at the University, a whole year in a technical institute, other courses for private training institutions. I don't consider myself a trainer, but I have a natural inclination towards synthesis and dissemination: sometimes it can be useful.
If there is one thing I have understood in relation to learning, however, it is that a fundamental obstacle is in its form. For me the first thing you perceive is that training is something that you "MUST" do.
Why isn't learning perceived as something you WANT to do, or are HAPPY to do, in your opinion?
The answer is articulated, a synthesis is needed.
The summary? Training is a challenging thing. For companies, organizing courses, curricula and other content takes time. Tracking progress and monitoring the economic return of this training is practically impossible.
More: standardized training does not meet the needs of employees and often takes away time, in a world where time has become even more valuable. The result? A very important business process like training becomes something that everyone is reluctant to do. An opportunity becomes a detriment.
How can this scenario change? Artificial intelligence (AI) is already influencing and changing several aspects of business today, and training will be no exception. AI's ability to rapidly process and analyze massive amounts of data and personalize learning paths will accelerate and improve learning processes and outcomes in both large and small organizations.
Here are four key areas of education that artificial intelligence will revolutionize.
Optimization of training recommendations
Everyone has their own needs and talents but, as mentioned, training is rarely tailored to individual needs. A common practice among companies is to provide access to a large number of online courses, confident that employees will be able to choose what is best for them.
Having many alternatives can be useful, but having too many is a disaster. An AI-based system could replace the open “buffet”. It will allow you to get more accurate and personalized suggestions on the training to do.
Instead of dealing with a slew of options, workers can make things easier by setting learning goals related to their jobs. Think how much easier it would be if each job role had been predetermined by trainers with a related set of skills. An intelligent learning platform powered by artificial intelligence can analyze each person's skill map, identify strengths and weaknesses, and immediately offer the right advice on what training to receive.
Some technologies are already making this possible now, and we will soon see such platforms spreading on a large scale.
Optimization of the learning process
Professionals who specialize in developing people-centered learning environments tend to combine training formats and modalities to meet their needs. They integrate formal and informal learning, synchronous and asynchronous teaching opportunities, often use social learning.
A great AI system understands the difficulties of learning: its recommendations can change on the fly based on training sessions, or an employee's most recent performance. From time to time, in almost real time, they can guide you through materials, instructional videos or group workshops.
This is an important shift towards a new paradigm: learning technology as a hub for employee interaction, something especially important in the era of 'asymmetric' work. This technology will connect remote workers with the appropriate mentors and experts, assist them in locating professionals who share their interests, and then get them into the right training group.
More power to employees
Training in synergy with artificial intelligence can give employees more control over what, how and when they learn.
Imagine a goals dashboard where employees can view everything related to their chosen learning goal. Everything: skills, completion rates, remaining topics, recommended resources, posts in training groups that contain answers and clarifications to the topics they find most challenging. The personal training path becomes much clearer when each student knows where they are: much clearer than now.
Having all of this information readily available at a glance helps employees take ownership of their training. To make your way more easily towards knowledge.
“Augmented” training
We are getting closer to streamlining and optimizing the learning process across all industries. A telling indicator of this transformation is that learning technology has moved away from the “reactive” approach to what employees do, and has embraced a more proactive approach (with recommended content and training paths).
Some industries will benefit from a more sophisticated training method, and this is where augmented reality can be useful. Employees will be able to virtually immerse themselves in realistic circumstances to train, for example, on occupational safety practices. Augmented reality will offer manufacturing companies the ability to teach employees new technology talents without putting them at risk of workplace injuries.
Another fascinating development is voice control via virtual assistance software, like Amazon Alexa. Employees will be able to interact with the training technology on a deeper level, “conversing” with an AI. It will be like having a trainer available 24 hours a day, 24 days a week.
Artificial intelligence will improve corporate training. Point.
Artificial intelligence will help the evolution from standardized, cookie-cutter training to personalized learning. Employees will receive the right tools at the appropriate time to advance their knowledge and skills.
With costs and technical barriers continuing to decline, personalized training will be within the reach of more and more companies. It will continue to be something that MUST be done, but it will be more fun, more productive, more effective.
In one word: better.
