Personalised Learning: The Impact of AI on the eLearning Industry
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the eLearning industry by providing personalised learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and enabling better assessment and feedback mechanisms. We are using the power of AI to make eLearning more efficient, effective, and engaging for learners around the world.
We have been making eLearning over the last 20 years, but have found that recently the demand for eLearning has accelerated rapidly. We are creating eLearning for organisations at a faster pace to keep up with demand. We have found that many organisations are now using rapid authoring tools, agile methodologies, and automated processes to speed up the eLearning courseware creation process. This improves productivity but the end results can be questionable. I always say ‘Simply giving someone a paintbrush does not make them an artist.’
At Open eLMS we leverage technologies such as machine learning and adaptive learning. We can use our AI driven eLearning platforms to automatically create personalised content recommendations, assessments, and feedback. This leads to better learning outcomes and higher learner engagement. No longer do we need to design a one size fits all approach to learning. We can use AI to create personalised learning paths and even personalised learning content – down to the individual eLearning course.
Key AI Technologies that will transform eLearning: From machine learning to Natural Language Processing
Machine learning and deep learning have a significant impact on eLearning by enabling intelligent content creation, automated assessment, and adaptive learning experiences. We have been leveraging these technologies within our own learning platforms. Our technology can analyse learners’ data and behaviour to provide a personalised learning experience. We use Artificial Intelligence to change the learning process from one where the learner will have personalised learning modules suggested and even created for them, rather than searching through a library of course material.
We use AI to create eLearning material quickly and easily. Check out our article on Using AI to write eLearning scripts and AI generated scripts. I am sure that very soon it will be standard to create eLearning using AI in the same way we would do a Google Search. eLearning will be automatically created within LMSs by ai systems to satisfy prescribed needs rather than be assigned by Learning Management System (LMS) administrators.
Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of Artificial Intelligence that enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language. At Open eLMS we have created company specific conversational interfaces, chatbots, and voice-enabled assistants to communicate directly with learners on organisation specific topics. Such chat systems will very soon be embedded within Learning Management Systems – such as Open eLMS as standard.
We believe that sign-posting, rather than rote learning, will enable learners to manage complex tasks at their own pace, with just-in-time information. Corporate training and online education need not be a classroom type experience or webinar. We have created an organisational brain (or NLP virtual assistant) to offer personalised support as and when needed.
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have the potential to revolutionise e learning by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. By simulating real-world scenarios and environments, these technologies can improve learners’ retention, engagement, and performance in a variety of fields, from healthcare and engineering to sales and marketing.
I predict that with AI entering eLearning course creation, personalized learning experiences will become increasingly sophisticated. As a result, we have found that AI content creation allows us to move away from traditional training paradigms, we can now create virtual learning worlds (rather than 2D presentations), since sophisticated eLearning is now so much easier to produce.
We have compiled a summary of technologies available to create eLearning is available here else view the video on YouTube: How we are using AI to Create eLearning.
Openelms.ai: AI-Driven Content Creation is here!
We all know that the development of course materials can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. As alluded to earlier in this article, we have created an Artificial Intelligence driven eLearning authoring tool called ‘openelms.ai’. This will allow our clients to streamline the entire course development process and dramatically reduce costs. We can use openelms.ai to produce interactive eLearning courses with video presenters in virtual learning worlds. The elearning will match the student’s learning style and can be ready in under a minute from conception to delivery. We estimate that this is at 1/2,700 of the previous development life cycle, all for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!
Our clients can enter a single line of text, openelms.ai then uses machine learning algorithms to determine the personalising learning objectives, quiz and script remaining eLearning content accordingly. This Artificial Intelligence AI powered design tool, then designs the screen, creating and curating learning material (images, animation and video) with human trainer guides who act as virtual assistants.
We have found that interactive learning experiences are critical to engaging learners and promoting a deeper learning pedagogy. openelms.ai can leverage interactive elements such as quizzes, knowledge checks and branching scenarios to create immersive and engaging learning experiences. When designing openelms.ai, we ensured that the learning content and language can be personalised to the learner’s skill level and language.
Thanks to machine learning, creating assessments and educational content online has never been easier. Bespoke online courses are no longer limited to corporate training, as the education industry can also benefit from the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Our aim though has never been to replicate existing course material, instead we want to better it. We have made a video of how the system works so you can judge for yourself: openelms.ai – Create eLearning in 60 seconds else it can be accessed for free directly at openelms.ai.
Benefits of using Artificial Intelligence: What are they?
Efficient creation of eLearning courses: We use AI to automate the process of creating, curating, and managing adaptive learning content; this allows us to reduce costs and the time-to-market. We have also found that openelms.ai greatly improves content quality and relevance, since we can rapidly and cheaply produce a personalised learning path for each learner with content that reflects student progress.
Enhancing online education: AI can improve the learning experience by facilitating communication via organisation specific chat bots or virtual assistants. We are already designing the next generation Learning Management System which will feature this ability to offer advice as and when needed, leading to more signposting of learning and less rote learning.
Personalised support for different learning styles: AI can analyse learners’ data and behaviour to provide personalised content, instruction, and support via intelligent tutoring systems. This adaptive learning is tailored to their unique learning styles, preferences, and needs.
Identifying at-risk students and addressing knowledge gaps: AI can mine through the learning data and identify at-risk learners based on their performance, behaviour, and engagement patterns. We can use the Learning Management System to provide targeted interventions to provide learners with relevant learning experiences and improve retention; this should enhance learner satisfaction and reduce dropout rates.
Automating assessments and grading: AI can automate the process of assessing learners’ performance and providing feedback, reducing instructors’ workload and improving assessment accuracy and consistency. We have designed our AI to provide real-time feedback and recommendations to learners, facilitating self-directed learning and improving the learning outcomes.
I have included a full discussion on the Benefits of Using Artificial Intelligence for e Learning Creation.
Implementing AI in e Learning: How do I start using Artificial Intelligence?
Integrating Artificial Intelligence with learning management systems typically involves using APIs and plugins; we use these tools to plug in AI into an LMS. APIs do involve technical expertise, however, so if you are looking for an easier solution, I’d opt for a Learning Management System already supplied with Artificial Intelligence integrated into the system. For instance we have designed our own Learning Management System – Open eLMS – to use AI to recommend learning. This allows learners to receive highly targeted learning in their carrying out online courses as and when it is needed.
As a first step, I’d recommend using a free system to put your toe into the AI pond. Log into the openelms.ai website and create and download a course free of charge and uploaded to your LMS without needing to install any software or spending a penny. Well done, you can now say your learning experience is very much AI powered!
The Future of Adaptive Learning
Artificial intelligence options will soon flood the EdTech industry. While many may fail to meet expectations, the benefits of this technology ensure that the good ones will succeed. This is no metaverse/crypto craze – Artificial Intelligence is a box of real solutions able to tackle almost any problem. This, in turn, will have a massive impact on traditional learning methods.
We have found that by using AI shortcuts, eLearning content has grown massively, with regards to the quality of its content as well as the scale of use. We are designing the next generation of LMSs to use natural language processing to offer real time advice as well as automate the process of designing highly tailored learning materials. Emphasis will be put more on SMEs checking content rather than creating it; whilst we can create learning such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in minutes, we appreciate that they need proper evaluation before they can be signed off for learning. Our SMEs are now very much in a checking role, rather than script writing due to the power of AI.
We accept that AI is not all benefits, there is a downside as well. We have challenges and ethical considerations to face when using Artificial Intelligence to produce highly adaptive learning. Machine learning technology has been slow to display bias when asked to provide feedback. Privacy, and security are also critical to ensure the responsible and effective use of Artificial Intelligence in e Learning creation, and requires careful planning, implementation, and monitoring. We must think of the traditional e Learning designer and how their role will change in the near future.
We have created openelms.ai as the first AI-driven e learning creation system which actually designs e learning. By ‘design’ I mean something that handles the more complex tasks of screen layout and media production rather than merely producing a series of flash cards (e.g. TutorAI and CourseAI). I think it does so in a way that is tangibly better than standard e learning design, with far higher production standards and accurate and well written content; try it for yourself. The future is bright for the e learning industry – the future is AI.