Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Summer 8-2024
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed educational paradigms and professional development, altering how knowledge is acquired, refined, and applied throughout an individual's life. This paper explores the pivotal role(s) of AI in facilitating lifelong learning—a continuous, voluntary pursuit of knowledge driven by individual and professional motivations. AI's capability to personalize learning experiences, provide real-time feedback, and predict future learning needs is fundamental to this transformation. Key applications of AI in education include intelligent coaching systems, adaptive learning platforms, and AI-powered tools such as virtual tutors and chatbots. These technologies have confirmed significant potential in enhancing learning outcomes, reducing learning time, and increasing instructional efficiency. For instance, intelligent tutoring systems have been shown to elevate student performance to the 98th percentile in standard classroom settings and reduce learning time by up to half. Moreover, AI's role extends to data analytics, enabling educators to develop effective curricula and predict future skill requirements. This is crucial in today's dynamic job market, where continuous skill acquisition is necessary. However, the integration of AI in lifelong learning also presents challenges, including data privacy concerns, the digital divide, and the need for human oversight to ensure ethical and beneficial use of AI technologies. AI offers transformative potential for lifelong learning and professional development by providing personalized, efficient, and flexible learning outcomes. These developments promises to democratise education, making high-quality learning accessible and available to a broader population and fostering continuous personal and professional growth and development. The paper underscores the importance of addressing the challenges associated with AI integration to fully realize its benefits in creating a responsive and inclusive educational landscape.
