Harnessing the power of AI is no longer a choice: it’s a necessity. How can AI revolutionise the way we learn?
Article written by Tamar Elderton Welch, Head of eLearning at Marshalls, a Ciphr company
AI (artificial intelligence) is the technology buzzphrase on everyone’s lips at the moment – whether you’re a professional using ChatGPT to summarise meeting notes and actions, or using the same tool at home to help with menu or travel planning.
We’re already seeing AI being used in fields ranging from data analysis to personal assistance, research gathering, and even image generation, with tools like DALL-E and Midjourney. Some commentators have even gone so far as to suggest that developments in this field are potentially transformational on our commercial and creative landscapes as the industrial revolution.
But how might AI transform the eLearning sector? With the eLearning industry showing continued strong growth, harnessing the power of AI is no longer a choice: it’s a necessity. How can AI revolutionise the way we learn?
How AI will transform eLearning
AI is reshaping the eLearning experience – it means we’re no longer confined to offering static, one-size-fits-all courses. Instead, we’re entering an era of personalised, dynamic learning
Virtual tutors
Imagine an AI-driven virtual tutor, available 24/7, ready to assist learners whenever they have questions or need clarification. This virtual companion adapts to individual learning styles, pacing, and preferences, creating a tailored learning journey that optimises comprehension and retention.
AI-powered assessments and feedback
AI can also transform assessment and feedback processes. Gone are the days of standardised tests. With AI, assessments become dynamic and adaptive, adjusting difficulty levels based on the learner’s progress. Instant feedback helps learners identify areas where they need improvement, fostering a growth mindset and motivation to excel.
Intelligent content recommendations
AI-powered content recommendation systems ensure that learners receive relevant materials. These systems analyse a student’s performance and preferences, suggesting additional resources or modules to enhance their understanding of a topic.
AI-powered active learning scenarios
The power of AI extends to natural language processing (NLP). Learners can engage in conversations with AI-driven chatbots or virtual instructors, practising language skills or discussing complex concepts. These interactions provide valuable real-world experience and promote active learning.
Data analytics
One of AI’s most impressive feats is data analytics. It can process vast amounts of data, tracking each learner’s progress, strengths, and weaknesses. It can help educators identify when a student is struggling and needs extra support, or prompt them to provide more advanced content for those excelling.
Personalised curriculums
Adaptive learning platforms, fuelled by AI, offer a personalised curriculum that meets each learner’s needs. These platforms continuously assess a student’s performance, adjusting the learning path to fill knowledge gaps and challenge them appropriately.
Streamlined administration
AI’s application extends beyond content delivery. It’s revolutionising administrative tasks, too. Automated marketing, attendance tracking, and course scheduling free up educator’s time to focus on teaching. Institutions can allocate resources more efficiently, improving the overall learning experience.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another area where AI shines. Through speech recognition and text-to-speech capabilities, AI aids differently-abled learners, making educational content more inclusive.
Getting the balance right between AI and human-powered eLearning
However, it’s essential to strike a balance. While AI enhances eLearning, human interaction remains invaluable. Technology should augment, not replace, the educator’s role. Collaborative, discussion-based activities and projects foster critical thinking and social skills.
AI is more than a buzzword; it’s a game-changer in the eLearning arena. Its applications are diverse, from personalisation to assessment and data analytics. As we embrace AI, we’re ushering in an era of adaptive, engaging, and highly effective eLearning. The future of education is bright, and AI is lighting the way.
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This content was initially published on Marshallelearning.com (November 2023) and has been uploaded to and lightly amended on Ciphr.com as part of the brand amalgamation in August 2024