'How is AI Changing How We Learn' was written by Roger James Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Genius Group
The global pandemic put digital learning in the spotlight and the education technology boom ensued, with many platforms using sophisticated technology at their core. The market for edtech is showing no signs of slowing down, so what is it that is so compelling about this way of learning?
The world has seen the adoption rate for new technologies be accelerated by events like this before. For example, the SARS crisis of 2003 contributed to the boom in China’s ecommerce industry, as quarantines led consumers to shop online. Certainly, this market trend did not diminish once quarantine restrictions were lifted. Ever since, global online sales have risen exponentially. The same story is emerging in the edtech market.
The smartest edtech platforms are built with artificial intelligence (AI) at their heart, enabling them to be able to customise the journey and identify the best learning pathway for the user to reach their goal. Driven by powerful algorithms these new app-based platforms can match courses with skillset and actively learn from the performance and learning style of the user. Personalised recommendations that range from who to meet, how to upskill, where to go and what to do, all help create a compelling and engaging platform, that many find an invaluable and a useful business tool.
The stage of business growth, and previous qualifications are defining points that enable the AI to learn the user’s demographic and preferences and identify any knowledge gaps. It can also then go on to predict the user’s grades, the time it will take to complete each course, and how interesting the user will find it. These predictions, based on personalised data, are what makes this type of learning so engaging.
A digital layer can also link to real time data, such as location and social media trends which can then recommend the right people to connect with in any location, along with any local events or ‘in person’ classes.
Designed to be simple and easy to use, an interface will guide the user on their learning journey and update them on their progress with personalised notifications. Digital transformation has meant that edtech platforms have needed to adopt cloud-based technology, meaning users can log in from anywhere in the world, creating a truly flexible solution, that busy professionals can dip into, fitting their learning around other commitments.
There are many advantages of acquiring new skills via digital learning, and edtech especially, opens up a more flexible learning environment. From an online application we will begin to see virtual networks being built, where tasks, progress, coursework and achievements can be tracked. And from this virtual world, learning can be made more enjoyable with many platforms using gamification parallels to track progress and goals, fully immersing the user and actively encouraging them to reach their targets.
A one size fits all approach doesn’t nurture individual people and this is why we are seeing such an edtech boom. Learning is a very emotional and individual journey, and these platforms are built to help users become aware of their natural skills, talents and passions.
Every one of us has our own set of skills and is naturally talented in different areas of academia and business. By enabling users to identify and hone these skills, a more robust and dynamic group of business owners will emerge to help rebuild this new world that we have found ourselves in.
The job market and businesses in the years to come will rely on ever-evolving technology so learning new skills today makes good business sense. We are embarking on a new digital world, where offline and online will merge, almost seamlessly and technology will be so ingrained it will be hard to function without it.
Edtech enables learning at every stage of development. Learning and discovery are lifelong activities, and edtech, driven by AI, is leading the way in providing educational options for every stage of life and business in the 21st Century. AI personalises the journey, the content and the connections creating fully skilled and well-equipped business owners, ready to overcome any challenge.
About the Author
Roger James Hamilton is a world-renowned futurist, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Genius School. Genius School is the world’s first global, virtual school providing a full curriculum designed to nurture entrepreneurs, artists, changemakers and global citizens. Roger is also founder and CEO of Genius Group, the world’s no.1 entrepreneur education group. Genius Group is a multi-million-dollar group of companies leading the entrepreneur movement which includes the global edtech company GeniusU, education curriculum company Entrepreneurs Institute, and Entrepreneur Resorts Limited, the world’s leading group of entrepreneur resorts and co-working spaces
