9 Uses Of Intelligent Assistants In Online Training
Intelligent Assistants did not start off on the best footing. But over the years, the service has gone from a robotic sounding application to a highly sophisticated software with a human touch. The industry was worth over $600 million in 2015 and is expected to have a market worth over $7.9 billion by 2024 [1]. By the end of 2017, it was estimated that over 33 million voice-activated devices had been installed with intelligent virtual assistance software. The uptake of the software by other services in the motor and sound industry has continued to expand the borders of smart virtual assistance, proving its diverse applications. In fact, 31% of business owners agree that such applications will have a greater impact on their operations than any other AI-powered solution [2]. But how do Intelligent Assistants fit into the future of online training?
1. Changing The Roles Of Instructors
Teachers will always have a pivotal role in the education sector. But, when it comes to online training, some of the responsibilities that are left to tutors could be taken over by Intelligent Assistants. Some of these roles include grading and improving learning methods among online learners. While it might be impossible to do away with tutors entirely, Intelligent Assistants will relieve them of some duties and improve their productivity.
2. Additional Support For Online Learners
Intelligent Assistants could significantly improve the quality of training that people can get from online platforms. Unlike conventional classrooms, online learners don't have access to instructors at all times, which can make it difficult to get extra support in understanding contentious areas. An Intelligent Assistant can take over this role by offering additional assistance that’s personalized to suit their needs. For example, provide recommendations for online training activities or courses to help them bridge skill gaps.
3. Offering Essential Feedback
Intelligent Assistants can help online instructors and eLearning course developers come up with online training content that is more customized to modern needs, as well as provide feedback on the success of the course, as a whole, on a standardized platform. These systems will also improve the capacity to monitor the progress of online learners and alert instructors when they are not performing well. Some of the aspects being observed would include the attendance, activity performance, and completion times.
4. Altering How We Find And Interact With Information
Platforms like Google are already using Intelligent Assistants to manipulate how we find content on their search engine, while Amazon gives you the ability to view recommendations based on the purchases you have made in the past. These are good examples of how Artificial Intelligence can alter how we find information. In online learning, they could help learners find answers based on questions they have asked in the past or research papers they have submitted.
5. Improving Accessibility For Online Learners With Special Needs
Online learners with special needs may not be able to interact with traditional training materials as effectively. For example, a learner who is visually impaired cannot read the text passages or course instructions. An Intelligent Assistant can help them get the most from the online training experience by offering individualized support, such as reading the text aloud or recommending online training resources that cater to their needs.
6. Serve As A Virtual Morale Booster
Intelligent Assistants also have the capacity to track learner progress and take note of their personal achievements. Thereby, helping to boost their motivation and morale by showing how far they’ve come. For example, reminding them that they received a coveted in-course badge when their interest begins to wane. The system will automatically detect lower test score or poor performance and then provide words of encouragement when needed. Of course, there is no substitute for actual human interaction. However, Intelligent Assistants can be valuable motivational tools in autonomous learning environments, such as self-paced eLearning courses that have little or no instructor involvement.
7. Facilitate Group Collaboration
Future Intelligent Assistants may even be able to automatically assign projects to learner-lead teams in order to facilitate group collaboration. Then, act as a Project Management assistant that takes care of the rudimentary tasks. For example, compiling research notes and resources that the group needs to develop their online presentation.
8. More Immersive Real-World Activities
Intelligent Assistants can be integrated into real-world activities, such as simulations and scenarios, to provide pointers. For example, the online learner is struggling to complete a step in the task. The Intelligent Assistant automatically detects that too much time has elapsed and offers guidance to help the learner overcome the obstacle.
9. Moment Of Need Performance Support
Intelligent Assistants will eventually be able to provide remote employees with the just-in-time support they need to enhance productivity and proficiency. For instance, the Intelligent Assistant detects that the employee’s heart rate is rising rapidly and they’re under a great deal of stress, thanks to the smartwatch that’s equipped with Intelligent Assistant training software. The Intelligent Assistant also knows that the employee had a client meeting scheduled for this time slot, and that they are involved in the newest product line the company just launched, as it’s been added to their work calendar. In response, the Intelligent Assistant automatically displays relevant moment of need online training materials to help the employee, such as demos and spec sheets to enhance their product knowledge.
We are just beginning to scratch the surface of Intelligent Assistants in online training. However, the possibilities are endless for this eLearning innovation. The thing to bear in mind is that there is no replacement for old-fashioned human interaction. Intelligent Assistants will never replace eLearning course creators or online instructors. But they can help lighten their load and make the online training experience more personal for online learners.
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References
[2] AI By The Numbers: 33 Facts And Forecasts About Chatbots And Voice Assistants
