How is Artificial Intelligence Impacting the Skills Agenda?

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that focuses on creating machines or systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. AI encompasses the development of algorithms, models, and systems that can perceive and understand their environment, reason and make decisions, and learn and improve from experience.

There are different types and levels of AI, ranging from narrow or weak AI, which is designed to perform specific tasks within a limited domain, to general or strong AI, which would possess human-level intelligence across a broad range of tasks and contexts. However, at present, we have not achieved the level of strong AI depicted in science fiction.

AI systems can be categorised based on their capabilities and functionalities as follows:

• Machine Learning (ML): ML is a subset of AI that focuses on developing algorithms and models that enable computers to learn from and make predictions or decisions based on data without explicit programming instructions.
• Deep Learning: Deep learning is a subfield of ML that uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers to process and analyse complex data, such as images, speech, or text.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP involves the interaction between computers and human language. It includes tasks such as text generation, language translation, sentiment analysis, and chatbots.
• Computer Vision: Computer vision aims to enable computers to understand and interpret visual information from images or videos. It involves tasks such as image recognition, object detection, and facial recognition.
• Robotics: AI is often used in robotics to develop intelligent systems that can perceive and interact with the physical world. This includes tasks like autonomous navigation, object manipulation, and collaborative robots (co-bots).

How is AI Impacting the Skills Agenda?

AI is significantly impacting the skills agenda by influencing the demand for certain skills, transforming the nature of work, and creating new opportunities for learning and up-skilling.?

According to a report by UNESCO , the era of artificial intelligence is young in years but advanced in impact. Intermediate skill jobs as we know them are fast disappearing as their tasks are systematically automated, and individuals are increasingly likely to encounter AI technology in their everyday lives. In fact, fifty percent of organisations worldwide report using some form of AI in their operations.?

Other ways in which AI is impacting the skills agenda can be summarised as follows:

• Changing Skill Requirements: AI is automating routine and repetitive tasks, leading to a shift in the demand for skills. Jobs that involve manual or repetitive work are being replaced by AI technologies, while new jobs are emerging that require expertise in AI-related fields such as machine learning, data science, and natural language processing. Therefore, there is a growing need for individuals to acquire skills in these areas to stay relevant in the job market.
• Up-skilling and Re-skilling: The integration of AI in various industries is prompting organisations and individuals to invest in up-skilling and re-skilling initiatives. Many traditional job roles are evolving, and employees are required to learn new skills to adapt to changing work environments. For example, professionals in customer service may need to learn how to interact with AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants effectively.
• Collaborative Intelligence: AI is augmenting human intelligence and creating opportunities for humans and machines to work together. This collaborative intelligence approach requires individuals to possess a combination of technical skills, domain expertise, and the ability to work alongside AI systems. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly valuable as they complement AI capabilities.
• New Learning Opportunities: AI is revolutionising the way people learn and acquire new skills. Intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, and personalised recommendation systems are leveraging AI algorithms to tailor learning experiences to individual needs. AI-powered tools can provide personalised feedback, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest relevant learning resources, enabling individuals to learn more efficiently and effectively.
• Ethical and Social Implications: The rise of AI raises ethical and social considerations that require a deep understanding of AI technologies and their impact. There is a need for professionals who can navigate the ethical challenges associated with AI, such as privacy, bias, transparency, and accountability. Skills in ethical reasoning, legal frameworks, and responsible AI development are crucial for individuals involved in AI-related decision-making processes.
• Job Displacement and Job Creation: AI is automating certain job tasks, leading to concerns about job displacement. However, it's important to note that AI also creates new job opportunities. While some roles may become obsolete, new roles related to AI development, implementation, maintenance, and governance are emerging. The skills agenda must focus on preparing individuals for these new roles and equipping them with the necessary technical and non-technical skills.

Recent Developments in AI

A recent article in Forbes highlights how, over the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has worked its way into every area of our lives. The sheer velocity and magnitude of AI innovation have also led to impacts in fields such as commerce or digital healthcare

There have been numerous recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry and the workplace.? A major game-changer is ‘Generative AI’ which refers to systems that generate new content or data, rather than just processing or analysing existing data.? One example of generative AI is a machine learning model trained on a large dataset of images. The model can then generate new, original images that are similar in style to the training data.?

A report by Mercer highlights the three main elements that underpin the capabilities of Generative AI:

• Massive memory and pattern recognition, with capability to connect distant concepts or ideas and draw inferences
• Low/no code requirements, significantly reducing the premium on coding skills
• Absence of logic since it makes predictions based on massive amounts of training data — with significant consequences for its applications to work

Generative AI can summarise a legal document in seconds with incredible accuracy, whereas a paralegal might spend hours on the task. But it’s true strength lies in augmenting — rather than replacing — the work of employees.

The Impact of Generative AI on Human Skills

Generative AI systems, such as language models, can mimic certain aspects of human transversal skills, but they are not yet capable of fully replacing humans in all aspects of those skills. Transversal skills, also known as soft skills or human skills, are the abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively with others, navigate complex situations, and adapt to changing circumstances. These skills include communication, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Generative AI systems, have made significant progress in mimicking certain aspects of these skills. For example, language models can generate human-like text, engage in conversations, and even exhibit empathy to some extent. They can assist with creative tasks like generating artwork, composing music, or writing stories. However, it's important to note that these AI systems lack true understanding, consciousness, and genuine emotions. They are ultimately based on statistical patterns and do not possess human-like intuition or experiences.

While generative AI systems can be valuable tools for augmenting human capabilities and automating certain tasks, they cannot fully replace humans in transversal skills. Human interaction and judgment are still essential for many complex and nuanced situations. Moreover, soft skills often require context, cultural understanding, and emotional intelligence, which are challenging for AI systems to replicate accurately.

The Impact of Generative AI on Education and Learning

Experts have identified that the potential applications of generative AI in the education sector are endless, with personalised learning content being one of many opportunities. AI algorithms can analyse student data, such as learning style and progress, and create customised lesson plans and materials. AI can also analyse student data to provide more personalised feedback to each student. AI algorithms can identify common errors or misconceptions among students and provide targeted feedback to help them improve. It can help students learn from their mistakes and improve their performance. Furthermore, creating new and exciting products that utilise generative AI will better allow educators to create engaging and interactive learning experiences to help foster growth in their students

An article by Forbes however advised that while generative AI in education has numerous benefits, we must also remain aware and vigilant for potential drawbacks. One concern is the potential for bias?in generated educational content, as the algorithms are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. Generative AI models can be biased because they learn from the data and training they receive, and if the data or training is biased, the model can reflect that bias in its outputs. It is not improbable to suggest that generative AI program that was created to be utilised by a particular group of students based on their race, gender or socioeconomic status could reinforce negative stereotypes and negatively impact their learning experience. Above all else, we must ensure generative AI systems are designed and programmed to be inclusive and equitable for all users.

Additionally, while generative AI systems may have seemingly endless applications in education, they may lack the creativity and originality human teachers and educators can provide.

Key Takeaways

Overall, AI is reshaping the skills agenda by driving the need for technical expertise, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, promoting collaboration between humans and machines, and emphasising the importance of ethical considerations. It is crucial for individuals, educational institutions, and policymakers to adapt and address the evolving skill requirements to effectively leverage the potential of AI in the workforce.

While generative AI systems can mimic some aspects of human transversal skills, they are not yet capable of replacing humans entirely in these areas. Human involvement and collaboration continue to be vital for many domains that rely heavily on soft skills.

It is clear that AI has broad implications for the whole of humanity, and therefore on the education and training institutions that equip lifelong learners with the skills to navigate both work and society. A wide range of institutions and other stakeholders have risen to the challenge through research and innovative programmes, paving the way for a better understanding of AI’s potential – and its pitfalls.?

By

Vanessa Tierney and Fiona Whelan

Founder and Director of Education and Skills

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