The Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Adult Continuous Learning

Impact of AI to Adult Continuous Learning

Introduction

According to Wikipedia (Note 1), artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence to perceive, synthesize, and infer information from machines. ChatGPT (Note 2) is the latest chatbot based on AI that could have the potential to disrupt certain jobs and industries. ChatGPT can respond to follow-up questions, tweet in the style of a particular author and concoct recipes. While ChatGPT-3 is the most advanced and capable version since its inception in 2018, how would it affect adult educators as a profession and adult continuous learning?

A Reality Check on ChatGPT

I decided to do a QnA with ChatGPT using subject areas expounded in my workshop:

1. How best to combine visual arts and digital tools for memory keepsakes?

2. What are the ways to tell my story?

3. How to declutter photos?

4. In what way is the concept of “less is more” applicable?

5. In what way can a video slideshow depict our life story?

I am startled at the comprehensiveness and depth of ChatGPT’s capability. ChatGPT can answer most questions related to the famous tried-and-true 5W and 1H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How) framework. In areas where I took months to research, curate and develop my content, in contrast, ChatGPT takes just a few seconds to spit out the answers. I wonder about my relevance as an adult trainer, given what ChatGPT can offer.

My value adds to Adult Continuous Learning

My target audience is above 50 years old. They use smartphones, tablets and laptops with different operating systems. I teach Digital Creation, applying digital tools to enhance visual arts with music. Scrapbooking, video slideshow and music appreciation have evolved through time. However, the enabling technology (i.e. digital tools and apps) changes rapidly and has to keep updated constantly.

Adult learning pedagogy suggests personal preferences and learning styles should be the foundation. Experiential learning and exploration are integral parts of the learning journey. Hence, my focus is on moderate class content and delivery according to individual motivation, paying attention to feedback and suggestions for more effective coaching.

My Findings

ChatGPT can help highlight new possibilities and provide a reality check. In addition, it can generate discussion when we need divergent thinking and curation of ideas. But what are the areas ChatGPT cannot do?

To achieve positive learning outcomes and knowledge retention, I have to figure out better ways to engage and connect with the students. Helping the students to master digital tools takes more than sheer practice and can facilitate by a step-by-step guide and explainer video. I enhance the learning experience with quizzes, use cases, and other interactive activities that help with social connection. These mean understanding the challenges of the students, making the classroom more interactive and inspiring the students with real-world use cases. Personal touch to encourage, build confidence and inspire creativity are not the forte of ChatGPT.

In Summary

One of my previous blogs (Imagination is More Important than Knowledge?)  featured that while knowledge is important, imagination is at the heart of most breakthroughs. Creativity is the key differentiator of my Digital Creation workshop. I would love to research and curate ideas with ChatGPT. However, I will use it with caution, as its ‘intelligence’ is limited to the Western context, culture, and the trained field of expertise.

Note:

(1) Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

(2) ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/chat

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