AI-Augmented Learning

Having been in the learning space as a practitioner, a seller, and running a large learning business for a little while, I have seen the trends come and go in the way people use and purchase learning tools. I have also seen some grand failures in both the thought process and implementation of some of those trends. “The cloud is just a fad” was one of my favorites. This time around though, I think AI in learning has such potential even in its adolescence that it cannot and should not be ignored.

The truth is AI is already reshaping the way we learn, and its potential in adult learning is nothing short of revolutionary. From personalized learning paths to AI-driven mentorship, here are a few ways I see AI making waves in education and what I hope it can be in the short term:

Key Highlights

Personalized Learning Pathways

AI can adapt to individual learning needs, creating unique educational journeys for each learner. For example, tools discussed in this research demonstrate how generative AI tailors content to enhance engagement and outcomes. AI tools analyze data such as performance metrics and learning preferences to provide customized recommendations, ensuring that each learner progresses at their own pace and receives support where needed. This is particularly effective in adult education, where learners often juggle other responsibilities and benefit from focused, efficient learning experiences. This also has the potential to help manage some of the nuances in the psychological factors of people that I have written about in past articles on inner dialog and frisson.

AI as a Virtual Mentor

The logical starting point for me is the concept of a virtual mentor or coach but with a catch. Given how many people are already learning using ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity alone, it is already happening. ?What we really need is these virtual mentors to be built into existing learning platforms providing course prep, career guidance, instant support, and more similar to what is highlighted in this article. These tools can answer questions, provide explanations, and offer personalized guidance. For adult learners, who often need flexibility and immediate assistance, AI mentorship bridges the gap between traditional classroom interactions and self-directed learning. However, it is crucial to balance the use of AI with human mentorship to address the emotional and nuanced needs of learners. Taking this further, I would love to see more content crawling for more accurate responses and less hallucinations. Some organizations and learning systems are already on this task, but we are in the infancy stage in what will be possible as these concepts continue to evolve.

Gamification and Engagement

Gamification was one of the trends I have seen come and go from being a leading competitive differentiator in learning systems to virtually disappearing from RFPs as it either became table stakes at a basic level or replaced by newer capabilities. That said, with AI, we can take gamification to substantially higher levels of interaction and knowledge consumption and transfer.? ?AI uses gamification to keep learners motivated and engaged by personalizing challenges and rewards. Here’s the basics. Gamified elements such as badges, leaderboards, and progress tracking are tailored to individual learners’ preferences and skill levels.

That is all well and good with prior models for gamification.? What we need is for AI to supplement, dynamically adjust, provide feedback specifically based on the learner’s interaction with the content and the gamification system, all based on the learners’ interactions in the course. For example, language learning apps like Duolingo leverage AI to adapt exercises and provide real-time feedback, ensuring learners remain both challenged and motivated. I have seen my daughter learn German so effectively, she could have full conversations with my German co-workers. In adult education, gamification fosters engagement by transforming repetitive tasks into enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Let’s bring AI into this mix and take gamification to the next step.

Future Trends

The future of AI in learning is exciting—think VR/AR integrations, brain-computer interfaces, and dynamic content creation powered by generative AI. Check out this site for a glimpse into some examples of what’s coming next. Emerging technologies promise to make learning even more immersive and interactive. For instance, AI combined with VR could simulate real-world environments for skill training, while brain-computer interfaces might one day enhance memory retention and cognitive performance. These advancements hold particular promise for adult learners seeking to upskill or transition into new careers.

Why It Matters

AI is not just about automating processes; it is about making learning more accessible, personalized, and engaging for adult learners. Whether you are reskilling for a new job or diving into lifelong learning, these advancements offer incredible opportunities. Personalized AI pathways reduce wasted time, virtual mentors provide flexibility, gamification keeps learning exciting, and future trends hint at even more transformative possibilities.

What Do You Think?

This is just a simple starting point - how do you see AI reshaping the way we learn? Have you used any AI-powered tools in your own learning journey? Let’s start a conversation—share your thoughts or examples below!

*My views are my own.?Published blogs, re-shared articles or resources, are my own thoughts and opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone that employs me.