The generative role of AI in supporting a continuous learning process
“AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, Generative AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI, AI.”, to quote Google CEO Sundar Pichai. It is not a novelty that a large part of organizations (also in Romania) are lately talking about the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence into everyday processes. And, this idea could be a very good one for us too, if Romania was not on last place of the European Union when it comes to digitization, according to the DESI 2023 study (Digital Economy and Society Index), a report carried out annually by the European Commission. But, I am rambling. For those in the IT industry, AI comes with great opportunities. One of them, if we are talking about Generative AI, is the opportunity to constantly maintain oneself in a learning process. Given the changes that are happening at a very fast pace in IT, constantly updating knowledge to keep abreast of industry news is essential for programmers and IT specialists in general.
But while it is easy to make statements like “it is essential for IT professionals to regularly update their knowledge and skills”, this is not as easy to put into practice. For those working within organizations, prioritizing continuous development should be planned and supported by the Learning & Development team. Because, as also highlighted in the article Reimagining people development to overcome talent challenges published on the blog McKinsey & Company, organizations that prioritize employee learning opportunities have only to gain. But due to budget cuts and limited resources, it looks like R&D departments within organizations will suffer in 2024, according to the forecasts of Training Magazine.
And while I don't see cutting R&D budgets as a solution if we think from a long-term perspective, I understand why it's a path that many organizations choose in financially delicate times. In this context, Generative AI can become an essential ally for IT specialists from the perspective of continuous learning.
Generative AI Can Be Your Teammate (Partly)
From turning to a Generative AI tool (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) for code verification, to consulting with such a tool to find the fastest and most efficient option for your project, Generative AI tools can be like that cool teammate you always have something to learn from. And, with which you are happy to consult, because it dedicates itself to the problem you are facing 100%. Another advantage I would say is the speed with which it responds. It won't let you down on Slack, and if you put the detailed and complex prompt in the first place, you won't have to come back with complementary explanations either. So if you need a partner to consult with regarding code streamlining alternatives or ways to solve a problem, you can turn to such a tool.
Generative AI Can Be Your Facilitator In Continuous Learning
Generative AI does not just stop at checking or writing code, it can become an essential facilitator of the learning process. Platforms like Codeacademy, Kaggle Learn or Coursera have introduced Generative AI into various situations to make your learning experience easier and more efficient. It can automatically adapt to the pace and skill level of each individual, provide contextual suggestions and detailed explanations for users throughout the exercises, or have interactive and personalized approaches to understand and apply key concepts within a course. Thus, using Generative AI, these platforms provide personalized learning materials, ensuring an optimal experience and deep understanding of new concepts in a shorter time.
At the same time, if we were to go back to the aforementioned tools (ChatGPT or Bard), they too can facilitate your learning process by recommending actions that would help you meet your goals. Using a complex prompt to help the tool understand what your current skills are, what your learning goals are, the amount of time you want to allocate, the motivation behind those goals, and other beneficial details to understand the whole back story, these tools can help you with a complex learning plan and examples of concrete actions. To get the answers you need, providing the details in the prompt is essential.
The Importance of R&D Specialists in the Generative AI Era
While we can not deny the impact that Generative AI has in supporting a continuous learning process, specialists in the development and facilitation of learning processes (L&D) remain essential. They can analyze the situation in more detail and plan learning programs that mold both to the needs of people and to the goals of organizations. They can adapt, propose complementary learning programs or provide punctual feedback according to their observations. And despite the fact that Generative AI streamlines and democratizes access to building learning programs based on your needs and interests as an IT industry specialist, consulting with an L&D specialist to make sure you've made the right choice can be very helpful. L&D specialists have the skills to help you stay engaged in the learning process. This way you have the necessary support to carry out what you set out to achieve.
Generative AI, Continuous Learning, IT Industry
Generative AI is an opportunity for programmers and specialists in the IT industry in general who want to maintain themselves in a continuous learning process in order to stay up to date with the news in their fields. Tools and platforms that integrate Generative AI-based functionalities can be used as resources to improve skills. At the same time, it is essential not to forget the crucial role of L&D specialists. Even in the era of Generative AI, they remain the ones who can best plan and guide learning processes in such a way that they are molded to people's needs and interests. And we, in the frame Digital Stack, we seek to build, together with our R&D teams and partner organizations, learning experiences that best fit people's needs and goals. But we are also looking for ways to integrate Generative AI to streamline different processes. Because in the end, it's not about Generative AI v.s. L&D specialists when it comes to supporting the continuous learning process. It is actually about integrating Generative AI into the work of L&D specialists, so that they can develop learning experiences that are as beneficial and relevant as possible for specialists in the IT industry, so that they can truly support them in the constant acquisition of knowledge and skills relevant to an ever-changing industry.
