Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only changing the way we learn, but also what we learn and how we should organize education. Our current case study as part of the AI Compass project sheds light on these developments and shows how continuing education, and adult education in particular, could be redesigned in the future.
We have noticed this: Research in this country is lagging far behind – it can hardly keep up with the dynamic developments in the labor market due to AI (systemically). With the exception of one competence center: The SCIL.
A look back
From the beginnings of adult education in the early 20th century, which focused on basic education and basic vocational training, to the digital era, the landscape of continuing education has changed significantly.
The introduction of computers and IT in the late 1990s marked the beginning of a new era that is now characterized by AI-supported learning environments.
Digital education in adult education
Digital education was or still is not a very popular topic in adult education: People love the presence, they have the rooms – they want and should be used in the usual way.
However, e-learning and blended learning have thoroughly transformed the educational landscape in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to remote learning and on-demand formats, which led to an increase in the use of digital learning platforms – and to considerable overload and stress among employees.
Generative AI as a game changer
With the emergence of ChatGPT and similar technologies, adult education is undergoing another upheaval. Examples such as Khanmigo and the International University (IU) chatbot show how AI can personalize learning and promote critical thinking.
But the gap between the old thinking of the 20th century and the necessary transformations for the present age remains fundamental. We don’t know any different – we just like to continue imparting “knowledge” …
New requirements for skills
In the age of AI, however, transversal skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills are becoming even more important. Sabine Seufert from SCIL expresses this well with this illustration, which shows the transition from the T-based to the M-based skills profile.
It focuses on the concept of the “flipped curriculum”, which emphasizes the transfer of key concepts and the development of metacognition. The rest is done by the algorithms, skillfully staged by the respective individuals.
The potential of AI in education
AI therefore enables an unprecedented personalization of learning and opens up new learning formats and environments. It is not only adaptive learning systems that adapt to individual learning levels and offer customized learning paths.
People can also refresh and expand their know-how in dialog with various AI models. You just have to learn how to do it – and then stay on the ball. Whether you need to go to a certified training center to do this is at least questionable.
Challenges and opportunities
Education providers now face the challenge of adapting their structures and methods to digital requirements. Offering the same program using only a little AI will not be enough.
Instead, there is now an opportunity to create creative, digital and decentralized educational ecosystems in cooperation with others. With a view to the needs of the people, not the systems.
Modern platforms are now needed for the purpose of exchange between educational institutions, technology providers and employers in order to coordinate educational offers with labor market requirements. It is highly recommended that new approaches be adopted here.
Outlook for new job profiles
As a result of the changes in adult education, new job profiles are emerging, such as AI trainers, learning analysts and AI-supported learning consultants. These roles require a combination of technical understanding and pedagogical skills.
At the same time, education managers and those active in education policy must also actively learn and understand their roles anew.
Summary
The current working population is the generation that has to completely reorient itself during its working life. Only those who manage to stay on the ball will have any relevance on the labor market beyond mini-jobs.
The education system must be active and supportive here. With new, transformative models – including the use of AI. The future of adult education lies in the intelligent combination of human expertise and AI technologies. And the future has already begun. Yesterday!
To find out more about our initial recommendations for action and more in-depth findings, it is worth taking a look at the full case study in the AI Compass.
The case studies will be updated in the backend as required until the end of August 2024.