Online Learning and the Power of Context
As humans we learn more, faster, when we have context – it makes sense of new information through creating a framework it can be applied within. It gives relevance, resonance, and understanding. This model of learning has remained the same throughout the course of human evolution, and it’s what has made us who we are as a society today.
But looking at learning in 2024, we are able to add ‘real-time’ and ‘personalized’ into why context remains key and is, arguably, even more effective than ever before. This is down to one thing: the use of AI in learning models which, simply put, are accelerating learning. Check out our eBook on the power of AI to learn more about how it’s disrupting the industry.
The Power of AI-Driven Personalization
Personalization makes learning engaging, effective, and a smart use of time. It’s the combination which, ultimately, means learners stay focused and avoids anyone spending unnecessary time learning what they already know.
With AI tailoring what they’re presented with, the learner leans into the process. In doing so, more information is fed into the materials AI has to work with and a cycle of iterative improvement is kept in play.
This cycle applies to educators and developers alike. They’re able to adapt to changing needs with unprecedented speed and efficiency. It delivers the ability to quickly build, iterate, and evaluate training at all touch points with the learner.
The Power of Efficiency
Life has rarely been busier – as a society we’re pretty time-poor. This means we demand everything on our terms – whenever, and wherever we need it. Information needs to be seamlessly integrated in the flow of our lives.
As such, project-based and snackable models must be seen as the de facto approach to a successful learning structure.
This brings benefits to those designing the courses. Shorter, more engaging models increase the amount of information flowing back in terms of adoption, effectiveness, and success, which in turn allows for iterative fine-tuning. It’s the catalyst for constant improvement.
The Power of Sophisticated Functionality
To see these benefits of AI-driven learning, we should consider looking at five key functionalities through the lenses of both audiences – the training team and the learner themselves.
The Team
Business and operational performance and resilience is critical to teams who build and deliver training. They need to save time (and costs) without compromising the quality to the extent it negatively impacts churn.
Additionally, in keeping (and continuing to develop) the best talent, teams see directly attributable financial returns through growth, new business, and cross-selling.
When it comes to AI in online learning, the power is self-evident:
- Smart Research and Authoring Tools build training or automate repetitive tasks for course creation, as well as analyze libraries or knowledge bases to instantly turn existing documents into fresh, engaging new learning modules.
- Automated Analytics for Learning Experience Optimization dig into learner data to unearth the weak spots, areas of difficulty, or learning paths less travelled. This allows learning teams to adjust and pivot a content strategy to improve outcomes.
- AI-powered Accessibility Features automatically generate captions for videos, translate content to different languages, and personalize interface elements to cater to diverse learners and accessibility needs.
- Automated Content Curation and Creation analyzes vast amounts of learning materials and recommend (or even generate) the most relevant content for specific learning objectives.
- Automated Qualitative Grading and Assessments analyze qualitative learner performance to lift the burden off internal teams. This means instructors spend their time on high-impact feedback, rather than never-ending evaluations.
The Learner
People learn to improve. But while it’s a simple enough statement, achieving it isn’t.
First and foremost, learning mustn’t be dull. It needs to be engaging and intuitive – otherwise the learner simply goes through the motions (or doesn’t go through them at all).
Learning also needs to be empowering – spending time on what you already know doesn’t work. But being able to choose what you need to learn (and what you don’t), puts the power in the hands of the learner. This makes them wholly bought into the learning experience and, by definition, the learning process itself.
This manifests itself in a variety of means when we look at AI-driven online learning:
- Personalized Learning Paths use learner data (past courses, performance, interests) to recommend tailored learning paths, optimizing the experience to maximise knowledge gain.
- Adaptive Microlearning delivers bite-sized learning modules that adjust to the learner’s understanding. Difficulty levels and content adapt in real-time, ensuring efficient and focused learning.
- Hyper-Intelligent Chatbots provide AI-driven 24/7 in-course support, clarify concepts, and answer learner questions – all based on course content or even company data.
- Immersive Learning Experiences personalize and enhance simulations through virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) experiences, to create engaging and interactive learning environments.
- Real-Time Feedback and Performance Coaching can analyze learner performance during activities and provide immediate feedback, personalized coaching tips, and offer suggestions for improvement.
The future of online learning is brighter than ever, and AI is the catalyst for game-changing disruption. Embracing these innovations revolutionizes both the learner experience and the efficiency of a developer team.
The power of AI makes it an ally in shaping a learning environment that’s personalized for every learner, impactful in the moment-of-need, and easier than ever to build.
