When it comes to the topic of "Artificial Intelligence", opinions are divided: some fear ending up like a human battery, as in the Matrix film, as soon as intelligent beasts have forced us to our knees, while others celebrate the unlimited possibilities of AI. But what about the job of a trainer, if AI can do everything better?
In this article, we illuminate the functioning of AI-driven tutoring systems, their advantages and challenges, and the interplay with educational actors made of flesh and blood. How can trainers, coaches, and others assert their roles in an increasingly technologically advanced learning environment?
Follow the white rabbit
With the increasing digitalization of the working world and the need for lifelong learning, the further education of adults is becoming increasingly important: Online courses have established themselves as a flexible and cost-effective method for acquiring expertise as well as expanding professional and social skills.
However, this modern way of learning might already be outdated: AI-driven tutoring systems are flooding the market, advertising that they can support learners individually and guide them through the learning process more efficiently - all, of course, fully automated, making human intervention obsolete.
Is that really possible?
AI-driven tutoring systems in further education
In e-learning, AI-driven tutoring systems appear as intelligent learning platforms and chatbots designed to assist learners: By, for example, monitoring learning progress, creating personalized learning paths, and offering immediate feedback on questions, they promote independent learning and help tackle challenges.
A significant advantage of such systems is their ability to analyze large amounts of data and provide individualized learning recommendations based on this. This could represent a substantial relief, especially for adults learning alongside their jobs or independently.
The advantages of AI in online courses
1. Personalization
AI tutoring systems can take into account the individual learning style and pace of each participant. In an online course, for example, a system can specifically identify weaknesses and offer additional learning resources.
2. Scalability
While trainers and coaches have limited capacities, AI tutors can support an unlimited number of learners simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial in large-scale online courses, such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).
3. 24/7 Availability
Unlike human instructors, AI-based systems are available around the clock. Adult learners, who often only have time for their e-learnings in the evenings or on weekends, benefit from this temporal flexibility.
4. Automated Feedback
A crucial part of the learning process is feedback. AI tutoring systems can provide immediate and often detailed feedback that is tailored to the individual learning progress.
The big question: Can AI replace humans in the online course?
Just as in many other industries, there is a concern in further education that automation through AI could render the human course instructor unnecessary. Therefore, let’s take a look at what AI cannot do and what criticisms there are.
1. The role of human interaction
Education is more than just the mere transfer of knowledge - even in e-learning: The trainer or coach serves as a role model and mentor in many course topics, supporting learners in their personal development. This human component cannot be replaced by machines.
While AI systems are great tools for individual learning, they struggle to show empathy, understand complex emotional situations, and respond to the unique needs of course participants.
Emotional intelligence can only be artificially expressed to a very limited extent: For example, when an online course discusses soft skills, the learning content may trigger strong emotional reactions among the participants. An AI chatbot may be conditionally capable of calmly responding to frustrated or angry comments from the course participant, but it cannot actively intervene when the participant's mood begins to escalate. In such cases, humans are irreplaceable.
2. Complexity of didactic processes
Even though AI-supported systems can offer adaptive learning, the pedagogical understanding that humans bring as course instructors is difficult to replicate. As a trainer, you understand the various ways learners process information and are able to adapt your teaching strategy accordingly. You can respond to the social and cultural dynamics of your course participants and design the course according to the specific needs of your learners. This is a level of interaction that AI currently cannot offer.
Especially in training courses that have a high practical component or require interactive discussions, the human component is hardly replaceable.
3. Lack of flexibility in unpredictable problems
AI systems are designed to respond to predefined questions and problems, but they may struggle to handle unusual or complex situations that lie outside their algorithm. As a human instructor, however, you can respond creatively and flexibly to unforeseen challenges and immediately address individual needs.
4. Data protection and security
Another major issue when using AI in education is the protection of personal data. AI systems collect a wide variety of data about learners to offer personalized learning experiences. This raises questions concerning data protection: Who has access to this data? How is it used and stored? Are there risks that sensitive information could be misused? An AI system cannot independently distinguish which of the collected data is sensitive or confidential and therefore should not be shared with others.
When dealing with data protection, it is important to consider the origin of the AI system and which data protection standards it operates under. In the USA, for example, data protection is often viewed more as a "nice suggestion," while it is taken very seriously and must be legally adhered to in German-speaking regions. The course participant wants to be able to trust that you as the operator of the e-learning platform handle their data sensitively.
5. Technology dependency and social inequalities
The use of AI in education continues to carry risks regarding access to technology: Not all learners have the same opportunities to access advanced technologies. In socio-economically disadvantaged regions, the use of AI-driven tutoring systems might even widen the educational gap, rather than close it. This is a challenge that must be addressed when considering the future of AI in further education.
Coexistence of man and machine
As always, the optimum lies somewhere in the middle: AI-driven tutoring systems cannot replace humans in e-learning, but in the hybrid model, AI provides some relief for the human course instructor. By taking over routine tasks such as grading tests, monitoring learning progress, or answering questions about the course topic, the AI tutor allows you as an instructor more time to focus on the individual support of your participants, the planning of interactive lessons, and the development or implementation of your learning content.
When deciding whether to use AI tutors in your online courses, consider what course or training topics you offer: For the sheer transfer of knowledge and facts, AI tutors are wonderfully suited, but for courses requiring human interaction, your participants need direct contact with you as a personal mentor or role model. In e-learning, blended learning is particularly a good possibility for the human-AI combination, as it can effectively implement the advantages of both sides.
So instead of viewing AI-driven tutoring systems as a threat, you can confidently regard them as simply a tool that helps you perform your job more efficiently and effectively. This way, you enhance the educational experience for your course participants and lead them to better learning outcomes.
Here you can learn more about the topic: "AI-assisted learning: What companies can really do with it today".
We hope that this article has provided you with some useful information and wish you continued success with your e-learning!
