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“The machines are here for our jobs!” We have all heard some version or another of this oversimplified and exaggerated statement, right?
True, the machines𑁋that also go by the much cooler name Artificial Intelligence𑁋 have integrated into the workplace. They’re changing how businesses operate by automating daily work, revolutionizing data analysis, and transforming services and customer experience, among other things.
But the truth is that AI is creating jobs in various industries in the market today as much as it is abolishing. Because AI is not exactly substituting humans – it’s changing the way we do our jobs.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2020 report, “technological adoption by companies will transform tasks, jobs, and skills by 2025.” Around 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines, while 97 million new roles may emerge.
As this technological integration continues, the changing needs in skill sets will only widen the current skills gap. Employers must implement corporate L&D programs to reskill and upskill their workforce quickly. Employees are well aware of this fact and fully onboard.
In fact, most employees put their career goals and career development opportunities high on their list of demands when seeking employment. Whether their employer offers these opportunities or not determines their future in the company.
Would you like to hear something funny? Artificial Intelligence can actually help solve the skills gap problem that it’s creating.
In Oracle’s AI @ Work 2021 Global Research Report, 85% of people said they were unsatisfied with their company’s support, with 34% asking for more L&D opportunities.
Interestingly, the same report shows that employees are not simply well-disposed toward the machines – they believe in them more than they believe in their human employers. 82% of respondents stated they believe that robots can assist their careers better than humans. Another 85% (not a small percentage!) want technology to help define their future (careerwise).
Employees are on to something. AI-powered corporate training can facilitate upskilling by identifying individual skills gaps and suggesting the optimal learning path for each employee.
That sounds intriguing, no?
Read on to learn more about how Artificial Intelligence is changing the corporate training landscape, and how AI in Education is not new but brings huge changes in today’s society.
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Key AI terms to know for AI-based learning platforms
Before we discuss how Artificial Intelligence can transform corporate training in your organization, let’s see what Artificial Intelligence is about and what related terms or models you must know.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is pretty straightforward at its core: it’s a machine’s simulation of human intelligence. In other words, machines learn to think and act like humans. AI programming takes place in three stages:
Machine learning
Machine learning or AI learning is a type of AI in which humans train a system to perform various tasks by exposing it to different variables, not by programming.
A characteristic example of machine learning is a bot replying to requests for information – a function you can use to support employee training and customer education.
Machine learning algorithms can also predict outcomes. By monitoring and analyzing a learner’s past ability and performance, they can identify skill gaps and offer content recommendations that will best cover the learner’s specific needs.
Deep learning
Deep learning is another type of AI and machine learning. It’s a teaching method where an artificial neural network and convolutional neural networks of two or three layers are created and imitate the way people learn.
Examples of deep learning are machine translation, self-driving cars, speech recognition, computer vision, data mining, predictive analytics, and so much more. Deep learning in corporate training can be found in automatic translations of training content (even microlearning content) and advanced learning analytics.
Machine learning vs. deep learning
The key differentiator between machine and deep learning is that machine learning processes structured data (large data sets), i.e., data that has been somehow labeled and structured by humans, while deep learning processes unstructured data.
Natural language processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is another type of machine learning that teaches computers to understand, process, and produce language. Typical examples of NLP are voice assistants and machine translation.
How does NLP fit into corporate training? Think about chatbots that answer questions and text translations. Or NLP monitoring solutions that track and analyze learner behavior and attention spans.
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What is AI-powered training, and how does it work on AI-based learning platform?
AI-powered corporate learning is training assisted by Artificial Intelligence. Usually, the training takes place using an AI-enhanced Learning Management System (LMS) or learning platform.
An AI learning tool should have the following characteristics:
Just like Artificial Intelligence in the workplace is there to assist and not replace humans, AI-powered training is not meant to substitute instructor-led or blended learning. No matter how intelligent it gets, its scope is not to replace live instruction but to improve the learning experience for employees and reduce the workload of instructors and anyone involved in the course development process.
Take bots, for example; they can assist with teaching by answering straightforward questions and even with mentoring, as they can direct learners to the best courses. However, they can’t answer complex and important questions, demonstrate job-specific tasks, or effectively model and evaluate soft skills.
Undeniably though, the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence remain impressive. So next, we’ll see how the functions mentioned above translate into long-term benefits for your corporate training programs and your business.
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11 benefits of implementing AI-powered corporate training
Let’s see how AI can contribute to corporate L&D programs (and beyond!) and transform them from a linear process to an exciting learning journey for every employee.
1. Personalized learning paths
Creating linear learning paths for your employees sounds sensible. Ultimately, it’s in your best interest to streamline training and ensure everyone is trained equally. In this approach, however, the knowledge level, skill gaps, and learning preferences of each employee are not taken into consideration.
Artificial Intelligence can meet individual training needs and help all employees reach the same level of competency while following a personalized learning path. Here’s how it works:
2. On-the-job learning
Although this does not fall under traditional training, it’s worth mentioning how AI-powered work tools also promote learning on the job. Initially, they monitor user interactions with the tool. If the tool notices that the user isn’t interacting with a specific feature they would benefit from, they notify the user about it and offer help with a feature demonstration. This way, the employee learns on the job and immediately puts into practice what they’ve been taught, enhancing their work process.
3. Task automation
Artificial Intelligence can replace human intelligence in mundane manual tasks around course development and learning assistance. Consequently, you have more time at your disposal and are less likely to make mistakes or overlook something.
4. Accessible training
Artificial Intelligence creates truly inclusive training initiatives in every sense of the word. AI serves as an excellent tool that can assist learners with visual or hearing disabilities who would otherwise struggle to keep up. AI can read texts, describe images, decipher emotions, and recognize and transcribe speech.
Artificial intelligence learning platforms also remove language barriers. Thanks to NLP, AI can help employees from different countries understand the course material better. Not only can AI automatically translate the course content, but the AI assistant will be able to understand employee questions in their native tongue and reply.
5. Faster learning
We explained before how AI understands learner unique needs and responds to them by continuously adapting their learning journey so they can reach their learning goals faster. This happens by identifying employee skill gaps and learning preferences and making on-point course and content recommendations.
Employees skip modules that are below their knowledge level and would just waste their time and energy. At the same time, they learn with the eLearning content that matches their learning styles. They learn what they need to learn fast and show higher performance.
6. Real-time feedback and assistance
Asynchronous corporate training programs often suffer a lack of real-time feedback and interaction. With AI-powered learning, learners can get the assistance they need anytime they access their training.
The virtual assistant can give them a hint when they can’t reply to a quiz question, offer feedback on the spot once they submit their answer, and even answer simple questions they have.
AI predictive data analytics can also help identify learners based on their progress or performance whether they are falling behind, and provide additional resources. The instructor will get notified and reach out to the learner offering timely assistance and helping them get back on track with their learning.
7. Higher engagement
Artificial Intelligence can increase productivity and learner engagement with the course in multiple ways resulting in an overall superior user experience.
First, AI algorithms create a tailor-made learning experience for every employee, emphasizing their favorite types of content and leaving out redundant modules and material they don’t like. This makes it easier for learners to stay focused and engaged throughout the course and have better knowledge retention.
The use of virtual assistants and bots also plays a significant role in increasing engagement. Despite being machines, AI chatbots add real-time interactivity to the course and resolve learner questions, allowing them to move on in the course at their own pace.
💡Engaging learning activities and assessments are key to knowledge retention. Did you know AI can help you create interactive assessments and storytelling that captivate and motivate your learners? Watch the video below to learn how:
8. Social learning experience
Most modern online learning solutions include some type of online community that encourages learner interactions, most commonly through groups or course discussions. Add the power of AI into online communities, and you’ll have the best social learning experience for your employees.
Because each time a learner shares content, AI identifies users that have shown interest in similar pieces of content in the past and notifies them. This takes the social learning experience to the next level, as no new content goes unnoticed, giving more learners an incentive to join in and actively participate in knowledge sharing.
9. Reduced L&D costs
Among the top benefits of AI for business is that it can reduce the costs and the money it is investing in Learning and Development in the long run. Despite the initial investment, using AI technology in corporate learning programs decreases training speed while maximizing effectiveness, which is evident in better employee performance and, subsequently, higher employee satisfaction.
10. Efficient customer onboarding
All businesses know how important it is to help your customers start using your product and get value from it as soon as possible – something they can achieve only with customer onboarding. With a personalized learning program and the timely assistance of bots, customer onboarding becomes faster and more effective than ever, enabling businesses to secure product adoption and build a loyal client base.
11. Better learning analytics
The more data you feed AI with, the better. AI collects and analyzes data regarding learner interaction with the course overall and specific pieces of training content. AI algorithms record and synthesize this data over time and across different courses, thereby generating accurate predictions for future content consumption and enabling you to optimize future training experiences.
Overcoming 3 common challenges when implementing AI-based training programs
Implementing an AI-powered training program is no different from implementing any online corporate training course. Any additional challenges that may arise are mainly related to how AI works: data collection.
Initial data
Data is the fuel of AI. AI technology heavily relies on data to produce algorithms and start doing its job. For example, your learning platform can’t perform auto-tagging unless it has processed many training resources that will enable it to identify common keywords and categorize the content.
The same goes for personalized recommendations to learners – they need to have been using the LMS for a while before the system identifies patterns in their behavior and which content they consume the most.
Inevitably, it will be a while before AI can reach the maximum of its capabilities and unlock all its functionalities connected to learning personalization. However, the more options you give employees, the faster the system can gather data.
Worries about user data
Employees might be worried about monitoring learner behavior and data processing closely. In this case, the best course of action is to be transparent and let employees know which data is collected and how it’s being used. To secure data privacy and answer questions of ethics, implement advanced cybersecurity measures and data anonymization.
Understanding AI’s limitations
There’s only so much Artificial Intelligence can do regarding actual teaching. The interaction with AI chatbots is helpful but can’t replace the human touch or interaction nor reach the educational value of a live training session or a discussion among peers. AI can never replace human tutors.
Over-relying on AI is a trap you must not fall into. A course is only as good as its content. Therefore, you should focus on creating quality content and a variety of resources to cover different preferences.
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Why AI-driven learning platforms are the future of corporate training
Adopting and making use of AI has become more important than ever, especially in the world of business. AI learning platforms are changing the landscape of corporate training in many different industries by offering innovative, efficient, and personalized solutions.
Some of the many features of AI-based learning platforms include: personalized learning paths, intelligent tutoring, content recommendation, automated assessments, NLP-powered chatbots, gamification, immersive learning with AR/VR, real-time progress tracking, collaboration tools, multimodal content delivery, accessibility options, data-driven insights for educators, seamless system integration, cost-effective scalability, and lifelong learning support.
Knowing this, it’s safe to say that organizations that choose to leverage AI and harness this cutting-edge technology are in for the win.
But looking deeper into the functionality and the benefits of AI in learning management systems and AI-powered learning platforms, here’s what businesses can get:
1. Personalized learning experiences
AI-driven platforms excel at delivering customized training. By analyzing employee profiles, roles, and preferences, they provide tailored content specific to individual needs. Adaptive learning paths adjust dynamically to a learner’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, while skill gap analysis ensures that training targets critical areas.
2. Enhanced engagement and retention
Engaging learning experiences are a hallmark of AI-based learning platforms. Features like gamification, simulations, and AR/VR make training more interactive and memorable. Additionally, microlearning formats break content into smaller, digestible modules, keeping employees focused and reducing cognitive overload.
3. Real-time feedback and assessment
AI provides instant feedback on tasks, quizzes, and simulations, enabling learners to address mistakes promptly. Advanced analytics track individual progress, ensuring continuous improvement and a more effective learning process.
4. Cost and time efficiency
AI-powered platforms are highly scalable, making it possible to train a large team simultaneously across various locations. On-demand learning options minimize downtime, allowing employees to access training whenever it suits their schedules, reducing logistical challenges and costs.
5. Data-driven insights
These platforms offer actionable insights by analyzing vast amounts of training data. Managers can identify high-performing employees, pinpoint areas that need improvement, and use predictive analytics to forecast future training or business needs, but also make data-driven decisions. This ensures resources are allocated effectively and strategically.
6. Continuous learning culture
AI fosters a culture of continuous learning by offering personalized recommendations for further training and development. Employees can align their growth with company objectives, ensuring that individual advancements directly contribute to the long-term success of the organization.
7. Global accessibility and inclusivity
With multi-language support, adaptive interfaces, and accessibility tools, AI-powered platforms for learning and development accommodate diverse teams worldwide. These features ensure that training is inclusive and accessible, catering to different abilities and cultural contexts.
8. Improved ROI
Organizations benefit significantly from the ROI provided by AI-driven platforms. By directly measuring the impact of training on employee performance, companies ensure their investment translates into tangible results like increased course completion rates. Automated daily tasks and administrative processes further reduce overhead, allowing management to focus on strategic goals.
By providing scalable, effective, and personalized AI solutions, businesses can enhance workforce capabilities and align employee development with their key organizational objectives, ensuring long-term success.
💁🏻Looking for the ideal artificial intelligence tools for education? Check out this list for the best AI-driven LMS solutions and top AI training and development platforms.
So, will you side with the robots?
More and more businesses have come to understand that one-size-fits-all training is the history and a concept of the past for employee training, customer education, for any form of online learning in a wider range. Artificial Intelligence supercharges training with automation functions, personalized suggestions, and assistance for learners with disabilities. Employees and customers expect and deserve effective AI workforce training and so business leaders committed to innovation are the ones that will get to scale their success. So, what’s your opinion, will you side with the robots and prepare to use AI or not?
FAQs
How is AI used in the training of employees?
AI personalizes training programs by analyzing employee data to tailor content, pace, and learning methods. It enables real-time feedback and identifies skill gaps for targeted development. AI can also enhance virtual simulations and interactive learning experiences.
How can AI-powered gamification enhance employee training and engagement?
AI-driven gamification introduces personalized challenges, and rewards like badges, and leaderboards to motivate employees. It adapts game elements to individual skill levels, promoting continuous improvement. This approach fosters engagement, competition, and retention of learning material.
What are some benefits of using an AI-powered learning management system for HR training and development?
AI-powered LMS automates content recommendations, tracks learner progress, and provides insights into training program effectiveness. It ensures personalized learning paths for employees and identifies organizational skill gaps. This leads to improved efficiency and informed decision-making for HR teams. To find which tool is best for you, check out this in-depth comparison of AI-powered LMS platforms.
Androniki Koumadoraki
Androniki is a Content Writer at LearnWorlds sharing Instructional Design and marketing tips. With solid experience in B2B writing and technical translation, she is passionate about learning and spreading knowledge. She is also an aspiring yogi, a book nerd, and a talented transponster.
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