Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2024 - 24

GENERATIVE AI CAN BE A BOON
FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS WHO HAVE
VARIOUS LEARNING ABILITIES OR
ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS.
creative, and may also spark curiosity and
new ways of thinking. Generative AI can
be a boon for diverse learners who have
various learning abilities or accessibility
needs. Gone are the days of waiting
for translated content. AI can efficiently
transform learning content to suit linguistic
needs in global companies. Learners
may benefit from tools that provide them
with instant feedback on their learning
activities and also coaching on demand.
However, there is
fear and there is
skepticism or concern. Philosopher and
historian Christian Vater distinguishes
between concern and panic: " I consider
'concern' to be very legitimate and
extraordinarily necessary, especially
if we want to actively, jointly shape
a future shaped by technology in an
informed democracy, " he said. " 'Panic',
however, typically leads to uncontrolled
running away. "
Some of the main concerns around AI in
L&D include but are not limited to:
* Privacy concerns, if not managed
securely.
* Ethical considerations: Bias and
discrimination resulting from training
the AI tool on biased data.
* Lack of transparency/data quality: Not
being able to recognize where the
information is coming from (sources,
reliability, accuracy, etc.).
* Over-reliance on technology that
could contribute to the loss of critical
thinking and problem-solving skills.
* The prospect of massive job losses
(AI replacing human roles in the
workplace).
* Ease of plagiarism and cheating by
learners.
While the fears and concerns over AI
are expected and valid, it's critical to
understand how AI will impact and
benefit the L&D space. First, we need to
align on some basic definitions before
digging deeper.
24
* Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of
a computer or robot to perform tasks
that would normally be completed by
a human, including, but not limited to:
visual perception, identifying patterns
in data, speech recognition, decisionmaking
and
language
enablement
and big data.
* Generative AI refers to deep-learning
models that can generate highquality
text, images and other content
based on the data they were trained
on. Per LearnExperts, generative AI
is a great tool for building training
content and " can efficiently create
new content from multiple sources
and documents, a fraction of time it
would take a human. "
* A chatbot is an artificial intelligence
(AI)-powered
conversation
app.
In
L&D, organizations may use chatbots
to help learners find answers to
questions, complete tasks or reinforce
what they learned in a formal training
program. Chatbots might also support
digital coaching platforms.
In general, AI is predicted to influence
the L&D industry in a variety of ways
and it's beneficial to pivot toward selfeducation
instead of fear and avoidance.
THE BENEFITS OF
GENERATIVE AI
We're now in a period of time when a tool
like ChatGPT can provide instant access
to large amounts of information and data
quickly. This not only saves time, but
also allows L&D colleagues to be more
translation.
It has several applications in L&D,
including adaptive
learning,
sales
The human resources (HR), talent and
learning spaces can most definitely
benefit from AI tools that analyze
large sets of data quickly, while also
recognizing patterns and generating
associated insights. Learning leaders
and instructional designers experience
efficiencies related to generating course
content and course materials (including,
but not limited
questions,
scenario-based
to: lesson plans, quiz
learning,
course syllabi, evaluations, etc.). AI bots
can act as virtual teaching assistants to
answer learner questions and provide
clarity or guidance when the instructor
is not available. AI tools create space for
resource-limited L&D teams to shift their
focus to enhancing the basic materials
produced by AI, as well as putting their
efforts on processes, learner interactions,
higher level coaching, problem-solving
and robust change management along
with continuous improvements.
GETTING STARTED
All
of
this sounds great,
right?
But,
where should one start? Many of the
latest webinars generate so much hype
and noise that it may feel like if we don't
embrace the latest and greatest tools
right now, then we will miss out. The
first thing to do is not to fall prey to the
pressure. Instead, address any fears by
using a methodical approach. Despite
all the information that is available and
the speed by which AI technology is
changing, it is useful to step back and
analyze the situation with basic data
and facts by taking inventory. Gain an
understanding of how your company is
responding to AI. Are there policies in
place for AI use? Is there a governance
board or a process that you must follow
before using any tools?
Based on your findings, there may be
guidance already available on how your

https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/artificial-intelligence/ https://www.dw.com/en/demonized-inventions-from-railroads-to-ai/a-65658720 https://www.dw.com/en/demonized-inventions-from-railroads-to-ai/a-65658720 https://trainingindustry.com/articles/content-development/the-power-of-scenario-based-elearning/ https://research.ibm.com/blog/what-is-generative-AI https://learnexperts.ai/blog/tips-for-using-generative-ai-in-corporate-learning-and-training/#:~:text=Generative%20AI%20can%20efficiently%20create,and%20can%20generate%20many%20suggestions https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/chatbot/

Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - Spring 2024