{"id":98047,"date":"2023-06-12T09:00:54","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T13:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trainingindustry.com\/?post_type=articles&p=98047"},"modified":"2024-02-01T12:01:36","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T17:01:36","slug":"how-generative-ai-can-help-personalize-your-training","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/trainingindustry.com\/articles\/personalization-and-learning-pathways\/how-generative-ai-can-help-personalize-your-training\/","title":{"rendered":"How Generative AI Can Help Personalize Your Training"},"author":34,"featured_media":98048,"template":"","tags":[31675,32046,3662,32350],"class_list":["post-98047","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-chatgpt","tag-generative-ai","tag-natural-language-processing","tag-nlp","global_topic_tax-artificial-intelligence","global_topic_tax-personalization-and-learning-pathways"],"acf":{"sponsored":false,"gated":false,"gated_content_type":"","file_attachment":null,"gated_content":"","form_instruction_header":"To access the full article, please fill out the form below:","gravity_form_id":2,"pardot_html_embed":"","author_override":true,"author_name":"Mike Allen, CPTM","author_image":96345,"author_bio":"Mike Allen is an editor at Training Industry.","excerpt":"Let\u2019s explore some of the ways that AI can be used to lighten the load on L&D professionals, as well as impact the company\u2019s bottom line by engaging and retaining top talent with more personalized learning solutions.","main_content":"Generative artificial intelligence (AI) \u2014 think tools like ChatGPT or Google Bard \u2014 has been making waves ever since ChatGPT\u2019s rollout<\/a> to the public in November last year. While AI is not new, the technology has become the focus of a media firestorm over the past few months, equal parts fearmongering and naively optimistic. The world of learning and development (L&D) doesn\u2019t exist in a bubble, so of course we\u2019ve been wading through the same extremes of information. At the same time, we\u2019ve been seeing an industry-wide shift from one-size-fits-all training to more personalized offerings<\/a> \u2014 a shift that AI may be uniquely equipped to help us make.\r\n\r\nLike any technology, generative AI has its uses, as well as its limitations. Let\u2019s explore some of the ways that AI can be used to lighten the load on L&D professionals, as well as impact the company\u2019s bottom line by engaging and retaining top talent with more personalized learning solutions.\r\n

Generative AI: What It Is<\/h2>\r\nBefore we get into how it can be used, it would be helpful to define the technology<\/a>: \u201cGenerative AI\u201d simply refers to algorithms that can be used to generate content. Despite the name, generative AI chatbots aren\u2019t intelligent. They rely on machine learning<\/a> (ML) to generate convincing language (or images, audio, video, etc.) based on the vast amount of input it\u2019s been fed with.\r\n\r\n\u201cAI is not a subject matter expert,\u201d says Tom Whelan, Ph.D., director of corporate research at Training Industry. \u201cIt\u2019s been shown to hallucinate incorrect information and parrot biases that it picks up on the internet.\u201d AI doesn\u2019t review sources or carefully consider the output it gives you; rather, it scours the internet and pulls together a plausible-sounding quote based on the massive amount of written language at its disposal \u2014 or other forms of content based on all the written language, images, voice clips and video that have been posted on the internet.\r\n

Challenges of AI in Learning Design<\/h2>\r\nAI-generated materials should always be regarded with a healthy dose of skepticism. Anyone who\u2019s had to fact-check ChatGPT knows that it can be wrong, and it\u2019s often confidently wrong. Another thing to keep in mind is that, since AI\u2019s output is based on input from millions of human beings, it\u2019s just as capable of being biased or bigoted as a human. AI will fail to grasp the nuances of complex situations \u2014 which can become a big problem if you\u2019re using it to generate soft skills or diversity, equity and inclusion training materials, for example.","full_width":false,"content_band":[{"acf_fc_layout":"social_callout","blockquote":"AI-generated materials should always be regarded with a healthy dose of skepticism."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_area","wysiwyg":"

Advantages of AI in Learning Design<\/h2>\r\nThat\u2019s not to say that AI is inherently dangerous, or that it shouldn\u2019t be used. In fact, generative AI can be used pretty much everywhere in the context of L&D, says Ken Taylor, CEO at Training Industry. \u201cFrom advanced course creation tools to automating the repetitive tasks required to deploy and maintain a learning management system (LMS), AI can simplify routines, improve the quality of training and improve learner experiences,\u201d Taylor says.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s important to keep in mind that you, the user, will always be an essential part of the process. Whatever AI generates for you, you\u2019re still the final say in what gets used, deleted, regenerated, etc. With all that in mind, let\u2019s take a closer look at some areas of training design that can benefit from the use of AI:\r\n

Simulations<\/h3>\r\nAI tools now allow for the creation of realistic and immersive simulations that mirror real-life scenarios. \u201cIt\u2019s one thing to know about something,\u201d says Gwen Baker, chief learning officer of Mursion, \u201cit\u2019s another to learn how to do something by direct experience.\u201d With AI, learners can engage in hands-on practice, designed according to their unique skill levels and career path choices, which allows them to hone their skills and decision-making abilities in a safe and controlled environment. For example, cybersecurity professionals might engage in simulated cyber-attack scenarios within a controlled environment, where AI algorithms create realistic simulations to help them develop their incident response and decision-making skills without compromising real systems.\r\n

Content Creation<\/h3>\r\nAI algorithms can produce outlines for a wide range of learning materials, from interactive modules to custom-tailored assessments. Learning leaders still need to carefully review everything to make sure the information is factual and that it serves the interests of the organization, but these tools can certainly lessen the lift. Without devoting as much time and resources to designing and producing presentations\/learning materials, you\u2019ll be freed up to focus on bigger-picture concerns, like your training strategy.\r\n

Adaptive Learning<\/h3>\r\nAI can meet your learners where they are by continuously analyzing their progress and needs. Adaptive learning experiences ensure that training interventions and content are personalized in real-time, optimizing learning outcomes fast so that your team can stay in the flow of work.\r\n\r\nFor example, AI-based natural language processing (NLP)<\/a> tools enable learners to interact with educational content using voice commands or text input. They can ask questions, seek clarification and receive instant feedback, creating a conversational and personalized learning experience.\r\n

Enhanced Data Analytics<\/h2>\r\nModern adaptive learning platforms utilize AI to give L&D leaders the ability to capture and analyze more data than was previously possible. They can dynamically adjust the difficulty level, pacing and content based on learner performance. Additionally, virtual learning assistants, in the form of AI-powered chatbots or intelligent tutoring systems, can engage learners in conversation, answer questions, provide feedback and offer personalized recommendations. This is all made possible through recent advancements in NLP and ML algorithms to better understand queries and deliver relevant information.\r\n

The Human Touch<\/h2>\r\nIt\u2019s important to remember that human oversight will always be necessary. No matter how advanced a large language model becomes, it\u2019s still just combining words and phrases in a way that it has determined is probably correct, based on all the data it\u2019s been exposed to thus far.\r\n\r\n\u201cHuman experts are the heart and soul of the simulated learning experience,\u201d says Mark Atkinson, co-founder and CEO of Mursion. Models like ChatGPT have been known to confidently state things that are patently false<\/a>. In other words, if there\u2019s not a human person there to double-check every piece of information that comes out of an AI model, you will run the risk of exposing your learners to misinformation.\r\n\r\nThis is why generative AI is best used as an ideation tool, something to quickly produce a rough draft.\r\n

The Future of Personalization<\/h2>\r\nAs the L&D landscape continues to evolve, generative AI can offer an exciting avenue to personalize training and optimize learning outcomes. With careful consideration of its limitations and the importance of human oversight, AI can become a valuable tool in the arsenal of L&D leaders, supporting their efforts to engage learners, enhance training content and drive organizational success.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWant to learn more about AI and its uses in L&D? Check out this Training Industry webinar<\/a> for more information. <\/em>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_area","wysiwyg":"