Associations are embracing AI-driven tools that deliver predictive insights, responsive content, and continuous support to meet learners at the point of need.
The future is here. AI’s capabilities to deliver adaptive and personalized learning experiences have developed sufficiently to deliver more engaging and comprehensive learning experiences, leading to greater learning, greater retention, and faster upskilling. Need a scenario with knowledge checks that promote higher order thinking? Done in a moment! Need to deliver more content in different ways to different learners who are struggling with application of a concept? No sweat! Having difficulty applying a skill in a specific work context? Got it covered!
Imperfectly, but still capable, AI engines are now able to generate new learning content such as videos, simulations, and interactive exercises. These tools increasingly personalize learning experiences and pathways based on learner-expressed needs and continuously adapt in real time based on those interactions to improve on the delivery of content. And these engines are only getting “smarter” with each and every learner interaction.
As we move into this world of the future today, AI not only delivers uniquely tailored learning experiences for individuals on an immediate, massive scale, but it is developing the predictive analytics capability to observe our learning and other behaviors and statistically predict with increasing accuracy our next learning steps. It is here that we will enter the world of Tom Cruise’s Minority Report movie, where future crime predictions based on the past actions of millions of people can be made with blazing precision.
Because the world is moving at an ever-increasing rate, associations are charged with ensuring that members are capable at the point of need, whenever and wherever that might be. Through adaptive and personalized learning with AI, and the continuous “learning” AI is perpetually doing, it may not be long before AI predicts what the new needed skills are — as long, of course, as the information fed to it is accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive. Yes, in this almost-present reality, though, it’s still important to have human oversight. After all, the AI engines are massive statistical analytical machines that predict next steps based only on whatever information it has been fed. While human experts still have a place in member learning beyond AI, it is not unlikely that in the not-so-distant future, this need will decrease.
If a member wants to move up in their field or prepare for a certification exam, AI will deliver the learning path they need to upskill. Beyond learner motivation to become more competent, AI delivers the engagement and scaffolded support that will drive learner interest to engage with effective AI-generated, bite-sized learning chunks. Adaptive learning AI will develop and deliver sufficient practice through developing and delivering engaging activities, scenarios, and simulations to enable each unique learner to quickly and comprehensively demonstrate earned badges. Members’ learning will be personalized so that they will feel perpetually supported and therefore far more likely to learn quickly.
In short, with the advent of AI’s adaptive and personalized learning capabilities, association members will be able to stay on top of all needed competencies. It is possible, even likely, in the not-so-distant future, that AI’s predictive capabilities will deliver a day when it identifies new skills needed far in advance of expert input. Indeed, future-proofing training for our members is here and is encroaching on the “way things are done” in the professional development space. Association learning and development professionals must all understand the implications of this brave new future on behalf of their members so that they remain ready to deliver learning truly at the point of need.
