The main technological talking point of this decade is the rise of Artificial Intelligence. This will only increase in prominence over the coming years as more and more governments, corporations, and private citizens see its potential. It has already trickled into many facets of our lives, from tailored recommendations for ordered products based on algorithms to use in composing creative works based on prescribed prompts.
Given its near unlimited capabilities, it is no surprise that we in the L&D industry look at the applications of AI in the training space. Some of the exciting possibilities presented by AI in adult learning involve its use in Learning Management. Companies would do well to explore how this rapidly emerging technology can aid and better facilitate the tracking of employee development in their Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP). Here are 5 ways that AI can be implemented in this fashion.
1. Learning algorithms can gather data and construct personalized learning experiences and paths for employees.
One of the primary advantages of using a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) is its ability to bend and shift to meet learner needs. With the inevitable rise and incorporation of AI into the L&D sphere, it is only natural that companies and training departments will want to start shifting parts of their learning management to something that is more intuitive and less fixed than a traditional LMS. I have written before about how LMS and LXP’s can best coexist, but when using an LXP, Artificial Intelligence can gather information and data based on a user’s learning preferences, search history, areas of interest, job performance, and list of skills. With this data it can craft a bespoke, individual learning path with content pulled from not only company databases but also free source material from all over the internet. Every single learner would essentially have their own curriculum track created by a fully-automated system that would assist in their career development.
2. AI can adapt learning and tailor content based on employee knowledge and skill level.
A particularly fascinating feature of AI’s use in an LXP is its ability to adapt to the specific learner’s pace and needs. If a learner is struggling with a course’s content or is having difficulty meeting learning objectives, AI can alter the content in real time to further scaffold and assist the learner and provide real-time aid and support. Questions, content, and delivery could be altered in real time to best suit the learner and assist them in meeting learning goals. In addition, based on user feedback, AI could recommend supplementary material or other courses to the employee to further facilitate their development.
3. AI can analyze which courses taken by employees are the most effective.
Another tantalizing prospect that AI brings is its ability to analyze learner metrics in LMS and LXPs. Artificial Intelligence can be used to analyze all kinds of course data, including what questions were answered correctly or incorrectly, and even how long learners took on certain questions. AI can go a step further in learner data analysis across several learning platforms and quickly draft detailed reports and recommendations about which learning strategies used by a training department are working the best and how they might be improved. This would drastically reduce time spent on learning analysis and nearly fully automate the process.
Taking the concept of learner analysis one step further is AI’s ability to take that very same learner data and craft original learning experiences and courses after identifying areas in need of improvement. A training department can essentially use AI to analyze learner data in an LMS or LXP and then subsequently use prompts to have the AI construct future curriculum and roadmaps based on delivered prompts. Not only can AI be incredibly useful in assessing employee development, its constructive abilities also cannot be overstated. While AI is no substitute for a training department and instructional design team, this feature can certainly have a huge impact.
4. AI can be utilized for real-time assistance and troubleshooting.
One of AI’s key features is its user friendliness. In an LMS or an LXP, an AI-powered chatbot can help provide supplementary information that can assist an employee as they go through a course. Let’s say a learner needs to have some key terminology that appears in a course defined or needs further clarification on certain topic. They can simply ask the chatbot in the prompt and the AI would return with not only the needed information, but several different links and additional content to further sate the user’s curiosity.
5. AI and accessibility
AI should also be recognized for its potential accessibility features in an LMS or an LXP. Based on a learner’s disability, AI could automatically go through each course in a platform and automatically tailor the course to maximize the learner’s experience. AI could also be used for employees who do not speak English as their first language and might struggle with difficult company jargon or culturally specific phrases. AI could factor in the needs they have and then revise the content to best ensure that they are engaging with the course content as well as possible.
AI’s use in the Learning and Development sphere will grow exponentially in the future. We in the training space need to not only be aware of the multiple benefits it will bring to platforms like an LMS or an LXP, but also need to know how to best utilize it to maximize effectiveness of training and ensure optimal employee learning.