A guide story for the future of education and L&D
The challenge of learning in an AI era
We live in a time when artificial intelligence (AI) can process information/knowledge much faster than we ever could. This raises questions: What does this mean for how we learn and work? How can we use technology smartly without losing what makes learning truly human? From my own experience as a former digibeet who developed into an international edtech entrepreneur, I know that learning involves much more than just the acquisition of factual knowledge. It is also and above all about curiosity, reflection and personal growth. Machines can enhance our knowledge processing immensely, but learning remains human work.
The difference between explicit and implicit knowledge
Let's start by distinguishing between explicit and implicit knowledge. Explicit knowledge includes everything we can easily record, such as rules, procedures and facts. It is the core of traditional education systems: learn facts, memorise them and reproduce them in a test. AI excels at this, which is why some people have serious concerns about whether our education is being undermined. But explicit knowledge in the hands of AI can actually help us tremendously. Think of applications in healthcare, such as AI systems that recognise patterns in radiology images faster and more accurately than human experts. We can also use similar applications for learning solutions, such as performance support.
But learning does not stop at facts. Implicit knowledge, built from experience, intuition and insights, is much harder to capture. It is in how we solve complex problems, communicate empathically or think creatively. AI can recognise patterns and uncover implicit knowledge, but understanding and applying it remains the preserve of humans. And just try having a single A.I. machine (e.g. a robot) mimic an ordinary day in the life of a single human. From getting up, making breakfast to travelling to work, doing your job, collaborating with others, solving problems, going home again, playing volleyball in the evening, fine, you know what I mean.
The power of learning by doing
My own learning path illustrates how powerful learning through experience is. When I started in the world of technology, I had no formal technical education, indeed, I was 100% a-technical. I had more of a language knack, along with failing grades in almost all STEM subjects. Everything I have achieved - from developing ICT courses, transforming a training company into a learning technology company to setting up new edtech ventures - is the result of being curious, making mistakes, reflecting, gaining new knowledge and experience, and always wanting to improve.
This human-centred learning process offers an important insight: learning by doing works. In practice, knowledge becomes tangible and relevant. This is exactly what we need to embrace more in education and Learning & Development (L&D). By encouraging experimentation and making space and time for other than traditional 'school-based' learning solutions, we create space for deep learning and innovation.
AI as a force multiplier, not a substitute
Technology has always acted as a force multiplier. During the industrial revolution, machines multiplied our muscle power. Now AI multiplies our brainpower. But just as machines could never replace our creativity and human vision, neither can AI.
Therefore, it is crucial that people remain the initiators and end-users of technology. Technology is a tool, not an end. But we will have to learn to work very well with it. We will not be replaced by AI, but rather by people who can work with AI very effectively. This starting point forms the basis of one of my current projects: an avatar-controlled AI assistant for practical professions. This assistant helps professionals in, for example, healthcare and greenhouse horticulture by answering questions in real time and providing support for their work and development. The AI learns from data, but it is the professional who determines how this knowledge is applied.
Strategic insights for education and L&D
What does this mean for education professionals, organisational consultants and L&D specialists? Here are three strategic insights:
- Use AI to automate explicit knowledge. Let AI systems take factual knowledge and make that knowledge available in the form of performance support, so that people can focus on ways of learning that are more effective than taking courses or mandatory e-learning modules.
- Encourage learning by doing. Develop forms of learning in which curiosity and experimentation are central and which connect to what really concerns employees. Let employees and students learn through practical experience with relevant learning questions that they come up with themselves.
- See AI as an opportunity, not a threat. By investing in understanding and leveraging AI, you will create new opportunities for learning and development within your organisation.
A call to action
We face a choice. AI may seem like a threat, but it mostly offers opportunities. By consciously investing time and energy in what AI can do for your field of work, you strengthen your organisation as well as yourself. But remember: learning remains human work. It is our curiosity, our imagination and our ability to reflect that take us forward.
As a keynote speaker and edtech entrepreneur, I help professionals embrace AI as an opportunity. How can you use AI to learn what machines will never understand?
