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, once intelligent beasts have brought us to our knees, while others celebrate the limitless possibilities of AI. But how is the job of a trainer faring when AI can do everything better?

In this article, we illuminate how AI-driven tutoring systems work, their advantages and challenges, and how they interact with education stakeholders made of flesh and blood. How can trainers, coaches & co. assert their role in an increasingly technologized learning environment?

Follow the White Rabbit

With the increasing digitalization of the working world and the need for lifelong learning, the continued education of adults is gaining more and more significance: Online courses have established themselves as a flexible and cost-effective method to acquire expertise and expand professional and social skills.

However, this modern way of learning may already be outdated: AI-driven tutoring systems are rushing into the market, boasting that they can support learners individually and guide them more efficiently through the learning process – all of it fully automated, making human intervention obsolete.

Is this really possible?

AI-Driven Tutoring Systems in Continuing Education

In e-learning, AI-driven tutoring systems appear in the form of intelligent learning platforms and chatbots designed to support learners: By monitoring learning progress, creating personalized learning paths, and providing instant feedback on questions, they promote independent learning and help address challenges.

A significant advantage of such systems is their ability to analyze large amounts of data and provide personalized learning recommendations based on that. This could be a considerable relief, especially for adults who are learning in a part-time or self-directed manner.

The Advantages of AI in Online Courses

1. Personalization

AI tutoring systems can take into account each individual’s learning style and pace. 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 advantageous 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 component of the learning process is feedback. AI tutoring systems can provide immediate and often detailed feedback tailored to individual learning progress.

The Big Question: Can AI Replace Humans in Online Courses?

Just like in many other industries, there is a concern in continuing education that automation through AI could render human instructors unnecessary. Therefore, let’s now take a look at what AI cannot do and what criticisms exist.

1. The Role of Human Interaction

Education is more than simply imparting knowledge – even in e-learning: The trainer or coach often serves as a role model and mentor in many course topics and supports learners in their personal development. This human component cannot be replaced by machines.

While AI systems are fantastic tools for individual learning, they struggle to show empathy, grasp complex emotional situations, and respond to the unique needs of course participants.

Emotional intelligence can only be artificially created or expressed to a very limited extent: For example, if the online course addresses soft skills, learning content could trigger strong emotional reactions among participants. An AI chatbot may be somewhat capable of responding calmly to frustrated or angry comments from a participant, but it cannot actively intervene if a participant’s mood threatens to escalate. In such cases, the human element is irreplaceable.

2. Complexity of Didactic Processes

Even though AI-based 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 can adjust your teaching strategy accordingly. You can respond to the social and cultural dynamics of your participants and design the course according to the specific needs of your learners. This is a level of interaction that AI currently cannot provide.

Especially in training courses that have a high practical component or require interactive discussions, the human element is hard to replace.

3. Lack of Flexibility with Unforeseen Problems

AI systems are designed to respond to predefined questions and problems, but they may struggle with unusual or complex situations that lie outside their algorithm. As a human instructor, you can respond creatively and flexibly to unforeseen challenges and address individual needs immediately.

4. Data Protection and Security

Another major issue with using AI in education is the protection of personal data. AI systems collect a plethora of data about learners to provide personalized learning experiences. This raises questions about data protection: Who has access to this data? How is it used and stored? Are there risks of sensitive information being misused? An AI system cannot independently differentiate which collected data is sensitive or confidential and thus cannot be shared with others.

When dealing with data protection, it should be considered where the AI system comes from and what data protection standards it operates under. In the USA, for example, data protection is often seen more as a “nice suggestion,” while in German-speaking regions it is taken very seriously and must be legally complied with. 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 Dependence and Social Inequalities

The use of AI in education also poses risks in terms of access to technology: Not all learners have the same opportunities to access advanced technologies. In socioeconomically disadvantaged regions, the use of AI-driven tutoring systems could even widen the education gap rather than close it. This is a challenge that must be considered when contemplating the future of AI in continuing education.

Coexistence of Human 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 to the human instructor. By having the AI tutor take on routine tasks such as evaluating tests, monitoring learning progress, or answering questions about the course topic, you, as the instructor, have more time to focus on the individual support of your participants, planning interactive lessons, and developing or implementing your learning content.

When deciding whether to use AI tutors in your online courses, consider what course or training topics you offer: For simply imparting knowledge and facts, AI tutors are wonderfully suited, but for courses that require human interaction, your participants need direct contact with you as a personal mentor or role model. In e-learning, blended learning is a good option for the human-AI combination, as it can effectively leverage the advantages of both sides.

So instead of viewing AI-driven tutoring systems as a threat, you can confidently consider them as a pure tool that supports you in performing your job more efficiently and effectively. This enriches the educational experience of your participants and leads them to better learning outcomes.

We hope that this article has provided you with some useful information and wish you continued success with your e-learning!