Connecting technology with learning
I didn’t get as much time at Learning Technologies this year as I did last year. In 2024 I wandered the floor with a colleague, amazed at the array of colourful brands, but also a little concerned when it seemed every second stand wanted to replace human trainers with AI avatars.
As a human trainer of softer skills, that left me decidedly unnerved.
So it was really pleasant to discover that the theme of LT2025 seems to be a lot more about AI partnership than AI replacement.
I’ve spoken openly about my suspicions of AI but I can’t deny the growing influence it has. I’ve heard the rise of AI best described as analogous to the harnessing of electricity - something which has the potential to change everything but life will, as ever, go on.
One thing that I think is critical, regardless of whether artificial intelligence is a tool we use or a driving factor in future societies, is that good communication skills are more critical than ever.
Artificial intelligence cannot, as yet, sense tone. It can’t read body language cues or subtleties of delivery - it must judge us purely on our words and so what we say, and how we express what we want, is ever more important. Those who can explain their desired outcome clearly and effectively will be best placed to prompt AI services to deliver it.
Conversely, we are still people talking to people. Artificial intelligence may simplify dense text or generate meeting notes. It might convert articles into videos or create true to life avatars to deliver the news, but it can never truly replace the human element.
This isn’t about uncanny valley or instincts about what is real - we can’t always tell and it’s ridiculous to assume that AI generated avatars won’t become indistinguishable at some point. But as good as they might be, will they ever be the same as a real life person in a real life space.
If we can continue to develop our communication skills, to engage with our colleagues, clients or customers, to bring that human touch with us, we will still speak person to person. Artificial intelligence can do a lot of things - but it cannot genuinely feel or emote. We will still need people for that.
I think there will always be a need for people - and those people will always need to communicate. So why not help develop and improve that most human of soft skills; the ability to talk and connect?
