If you have any online presence, you’ve probably heard of the new boom of AI technologies. Chat GPT, Amazon Alexa, and OpenAI are some of the most known - just to name a few - that are transforming the way we work, live, and learn. With AI it's now become easier than ever to personalise training, providing employees with a more tailored and effective learning experience. And while this all may seem quite exciting, AI does pose a number of risks. So, let’s dive into how it is shaping our future.
One of the biggest benefits of personalising workplace training with AI is that it allows organisations to meet the unique needs of each employee. The ability of AI to quickly compile and analyse data on each learner allows for learners to experience a completely unique training approach. Take for example, an employee that required reskilling. With the power of AI, noticing learning patterns, behaviours, and preferred methods can occur much earlier in the learning process, letting you support your learner in a way that best suits them. This can result in more effective training that leads to better retention and lower drop-off rates.
Another benefit of introducing AI into workplace training is that it can help to reduce training time and costs. Gartner reported that over 75 percent of the venture and capital investors will be using AI-backed tools for their data analytics and other information by 2025. This is due to the fact that AI, in the simplest terms possible, rids unnecessary costs for companies by finding not only the most optimal learning pathway but the most effective one too. By using AI algorithms to help identify the most relevant training materials for each employee, organisations can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent delivering a one-size-fits-all approach to learning.
Additionally, AI-powered training can provide employees with a more engaging and interactive experience. Giving learners the opportunity to choose what they learn rather than encouraging all learners to complete the same course will ensure they remain engaged and enthusiastic. Keeping employees motivated and interested in turn leads to better results and a more positive attitude towards workplace training. It may seem unrealistic to provide each and every learner with their own interactive learning material, but thanks to AI this is all possible.
The benefits of working with AI may seem too good to be true, and like most things that appear this way, it might just be. Understanding the risks that are associated with such a powerful tool is essential before companies dive into completely automating their learning. One of the biggest risks is the potential for AI algorithms to perpetuate existing biases. These biases occur because humans are the ones developing the data that the algorithm is trained on, as well as shaping the use of such algorithms. Such that the system can produce consistently different outputs for one group compared to another. This contrasting spread of information is due to the availability of training data sets. A study conducted by OECD - ‘Opportunities and Drawbacks of Using Artificial Intelligence for Training’, proved this point stating; “companies that already have access to large amounts of high-quality representative data (e.g. multinationals and tech giants) are better placed to develop high-quality AI tools. The higher quality products likely attract more customers [and higher-quality] training for their employees], leading to even larger amounts of data. Companies without access to large amounts of high-quality data may develop AI tools based on lower quality or less representative data, leading to low quality or biassed outcomes” for those smaller companies.
AI can result in a lack of standardisation which, in terms of education, may seem promising; the idea of doing away with standardised tests and rote learning sounds fantastic. But what happens when we find that the produced personalised learning isn’t of the same quality for each learner? Does this leave a lucky few receiving the absolute optimal training while others are left in the dark - being promised a revolutionary new learning experience that they unknowingly don’t receive?
While we're all aware that we are heading into a new age of technology, humans desire human interaction. AI is a leap forward and can minimise the need for individuals to receive in-person feedback and support, but it cannot entirely replace the understanding and engagement that a human trainer can provide.
Despite the potential risks, personalising workplace training with AI can be a powerful tool for organisations. To minimise the risks and maximise the benefits, organisations should take the following steps:
Personalising workplace training with AI has the potential to revolutionise the way organisations approach employee development. By leveraging AI algorithms to deliver tailored training, organisations can improve the effectiveness of training and help employees to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. However, being aware of the risks involved is the first step in understanding the power of AI.