Learning from each other in an AI world
Introduction
Undoubtedly machines learning from machines will exponentially speed up (assuming we have enough power in the world!) in the years ahead. ??But how will people learn in the future?
We are all increasingly aware that fast developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools present us with a unique opportunity to reimagine and enhance learning.? Many in the world of education are busy trying to foresee what it will look like.
There is so much about the future we simply can’t predict, but whatever the tools and support systems will the nature of the way we learn change?? ???
Here are some the reasons I think human connection will remain at the heart of how we learn, even in an AI world.
Deep rooted peer learning
Learning is a core part of what makes us human.? Machines may emulate us. But our connectedness to each other and ability to learn from each other is built into our DNA.?? The effectiveness and inbuilt nature of social based learning is one the reasons we will continue to learn with and from each other. ?
We observe peer and collaborative learning across all areas of life, from children in the home learning from siblings to apprentices learning on the job from their colleagues.?
Central to the power of peer learning is the reality that we learn a huge amount in life from those in close proximity to us.? ?
Humans are social and have been designed to be sponges to our environment, especially our peers.
Social learning theory particularly highlights the importance of learning through observation, imitation, and modelling of behaviors within a community or group.? Think school playground or the role of social media impacting behaviours and even political opinion.
Contextualising learning
The impact of peer learning extends far beyond the acquisition of knowledge. It can play a pivotal role in building confidence, resilience, and the soft skills necessary in today's ever-changing world.
Through methodologies like peer groups and challenge-based learning, learners are not only exposed to new information but are also encouraged to practically apply this knowledge in their real-world contexts.
This kind of collaborative learning has long been recognised for its ability to facilitate deeper understanding, critical thinking, and active engagement among learners. All capabilities that will become even more essential in an AI-driven world.
By fostering environments that encourage collaboration and leveraging technology to amplify these contextual interactions, we can ensure a future where learning is not just about the acquisition of knowledge, but about building the confidence, character, and competencies needed for us to thrive in our present and future environments.
Tech enabled collaboration
Even the UK government has recognized the value of collaborative learning, emphasizing its importance in developing the skills and competencies needed for the future workforce. In a recent statement, the government highlighted the role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences, stating, "Technology-driven solutions can play a crucial role in scaling effective peer learning practices, making them more accessible and impactful for learners across the nation."
Research shows that learners benefit from the shared exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. Such interactions not only enhance cognitive development but also extend our support networks and broaden our perspectives.
Countries like Finland and Singapore, where education systems that emphasise collaborative learning and the use of technology in classrooms, have consistently ranked high in global education assessments.
I’ve personally seen how building an online learning environment with real human connection at it’s core can measurably enhanced the learning experience.? At MasterStart we doubled NPS and completion rates in 12 months.?? More recently, Knovia’s new Elevate learning model is utilising learning tech to free up tutors for more meaningful interaction with learners and is utilising online collaborative learning to contextualise and apply the learning for the apprentices – all leading to greater engagement and higher satisfaction with the learning experience.
AI driven connection
Technological advancements have given rise to the latest cohort of EdTech companies that are pioneering the use of AI in collaborative learning environments. These platforms leverage AI to provide real-time feedback, personalised learning paths, and collaborative tools that enhance interaction and engagement among learners.?
The development of these platforms to increase, rather than replace human interaction and engagement, is a key opportunity to transform traditional educational models, to broaden participation and make learning more engaging and effective.?
At their best, these AI-driven platforms provide new ways to connect more people across the world to learn from each other.?
For example, AI-driven platforms can intelligently match learners with complementary skills and knowledge areas, building a more cohesive and productive learning community.?
For me, this is where most of our focus and efforts should be going as we look at how to utilise AI to enhance the impact and effectiveness of our learning models.??
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Making ‘one small step for mankind’ at a time
It is easy to become paralysed by fear of the future and bury our head in the sand.? Yes, it does feel like tech is changing quickly, but people don’t. ?
According to the World Health Organisation (2023) only 68% of the world have access to a private toilet that safely disposes of waste. ?Only 63% of the world have high-speed internet access and even then, the definition and consistency of ‘high-speed’ can vary hugely!?? Whilst around 80% of the world’s children have access to lower senior education (with highly variable quality), the numbers drop considerably for upper secondary education and reduces to 40% for higher education.?
There are both human and technology barriers to the speed at which tech can enhance the human learning experience.? AI-driven edtech can play a powerful part of the solution to democratised access to education, but getting the basic infrastructure in place necessary to support this will still take time. ?And our human resistance to change is not necessarily a bad thing if we are protecting the things that make us human.
In my view, each ‘small step for mankind’ will be most successful if collaborative and social learning models are at the heart of the design process. Human enabled learning, powered by tech.
It is great to see the learning and education world starting to play with new AI tools. Building them into our development models will require a bit of trial and error.? This is, of course, how the future of human learning will be created. ?
My hopeful expectation is that the new tools in our hands will help us to develop future learning that is more collaborative, human connected and socially transformative.
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?References:
Topping, K. J. (2005). Trends in peer learning. Educational Psychology, 25(6), 631-645. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01443410500345172
Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Boud, D., Cohen, R., & Sampson, J. (2001). Peer learning in higher education: Learning from and with each other. London: Kogan Page. https://www.koganpage.com/product/peer-learning-in-higher-education-9780749436125
Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1). https://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm
UK Government. (2023). Future of Work: The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning and skills development. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
Finnish National Agency for Education. (2020). The Finnish Education System. https://www.oph.fi/en/education-system
Ministry of Education, Singapore. (2021). Singapore's Education System: An Overview. https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/education-system
Luckin, R., Holmes, W., Griffiths, M., & Forcier, L.B. (2016). Intelligence Unleashed: An argument for AI in Education. Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/one-dot-com/one-dot-com/global/Files/about-pearson/innovation/open-ideas/Intelligence-Unleashed-Publication.pdf
OECD. (2019). OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030. https://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/
Relevant Website Links
MasterStart: https://www.masterstart.com
Knovia: https://www.knovia.com
Learning and Performance Institute (LPI): https://www.thelpi.org
EdTech Europe: https://www.edtecheurope.com ?- A platform showcasing innovative EdTech companies in Europe.
EdSurge: https://www.edsurge.com ?- A website for educators to find and share information about technology and education.
TechCrunch - EdTech: https://techcrunch.com/education ?- Offers the latest news and information on EdTech startups and technology in education.
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Chief Learning Officer @ MasterStart | Learning Strategy | Driving Business Growth | PhD | Transformational Learning | Skills Development |
4 个月I absolutely love AI and am genuinely excited about its rapid (though probably unpredictable) evolution. I have a foreboding feeling that I’m going to be juggling AI subscriptions like I do my streaming subscriptions??? But I agree with you! I would choose human connection over AI any day?and for one simple reason: perspective. For me, one of the most critical ways to shape perspective is through human connection. By sharing our?experiences, emotions, and even intuitions with others can really help shape our ideas, thoughts and actions.??For me, perspective is inherently subjective it enables growth and learning by considering other unique viewpoints and by creating space for the ah-ha moment??! I really hope AI will never take this away from us mere mortals but rather focuses on developing tools that allow us to enrich our interactions and deepen our understanding of one another. a
Head of Portfolio and Product at Knovia Group
4 个月Yes, as a society we need a revamped approach to learning in the AI age! Using AI for learning can be individualised and adaptive. Learning in this way can be incredibly powerful, but it shouldn't come at the expense of human connection. Humans provide invaluable context, relatability, and the social motivation that fuels peer-to-peer learning. Our learners learn so much outside of planned learning times. (In apprenticeships this is demonstrated in the off-the-job training). AI can personalise planned learning journeys, and improve the learning content, but learners are still spending the vast majority of their day working and living alongside humans, learning from not only what they do, but how they do it. Planning for peer learning provides the opportunity to work with, and learn from, peers that might work in a different organisation, with varying levels of experience, that the learner may not get the opportunity to interact with in their daily role. AI should complement human interaction, not replace it.
LSIP Project Director
4 个月Super article Ben
?? Helping ACCIDENTAL business leaders to scale ADOLESCENT businesses. ??Businesses throwing tantrums at GROWTH pains and adult rules?? Leaders promoted for being good at what they did BEFORE?? Led 3 x ￡M+ businesses?
4 个月Interesting post Ben thank you. Two comments. This first one about mainstream training and development as we know it. With regard to the former you may remember me making some controversial (at the time) comments in 1999 when video based learning began to engage in a big way. Whilst I did have, and do declare that I had, a vested interest as the managing director of a large training company, I think my comments then remain valid for the current, I suspect even bigger shift. And the core of my comments remain that "the future is blended". Elaborating on that, whilst I think AI does and will enhance the selection and presentation of relevant content materials and so will improve results, it's not currently capable of dealing with the elephant in the room. ENGAGEMENT and MOTIVATION. As I highlighted back in 1999. A key element in any learning, and indeed in much of human behaviour, is whether the individual is motivated. That for he is the purpose of the key human delivery role in the future. I'd put forward the term "learning coach" but I'm sure there's better terms around. And for now, as anyone who's interacted with chatbots, will confirm, is beyond today's AI. It may come. But I'm not sure how quickly!