With the advent of the global pandemic, the interest in the world of distance learning and LMS platforms has grown exponentially, marking the definitive customs clearance of a technology that until some time before, at least in Italy, was used only by “enlightened” companies.
In the age of digital transformation, the world of e-learning is the protagonist of profound changes that see the integration in the use of different technologies (virtual reality, artificial intelligence, big data) in support of an increasingly smart training.
THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN E-LEARNING
On the importance of artificial intelligence in the world of distance learning we had already talked about it in a previous article, but in order to introduce the concept of virtual assistant or virtual coach it is necessary to take up some fundamental concepts.
HOW THE AI IS INTEGRATED IN LMS PLATFORMS
AI can greatly improve the training experience of trainees on the one hand and facilitate the management of LMS platforms for administrators on the other. Implementing AI in FAD platforms requires a combination of algorithms based on machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
The three main benefits of integrating artificial intelligence into e-learning concern:
- real-time questions: LMS platforms integrated with AI will be able to process the questions posed by learners in real time, offering clarification and advices to what is asked
- efficient training: thanks to artificial intelligence systems, learners will be guided towards the discovery of new teaching materials. This will cut down information search times and speed up the learning process
- customised training: artificial intelligence will be able to analyse the behaviour of the learner to determine their interests and will be able to scan other online content to search for training material suitable for him/her
WHAT DO WE MEAN WITH VIRTUAL COACH
A virtual coach is a smart agent that can be installed within any application. It can take the form of an animated agent or communicate with the user thanks to push notifications. The virtual coach attaches to the database of the host system and profiles users, processes and everything necessary to achieve the training objectives.
THE COMPETENCES OF THE VIRTUAL COACH
A virtual coach uses the information provided by users to keep them focused and involved in their training. And if someone “loses momentum”, the virtual coach will remind them that there are contents or courses to complete.
Although the company’s training courses are oriented towards enhancing new knowledge to support the business, a virtual coach provides and suggests content that goes beyond formal training activities, also supporting personal growth.
Encouraging users to take a proactive role in training is a great way to engage them in formal activities as well. Training should no longer be seen as a compulsory activity, but as part of the routine. This approach creates a behavioral change of users that allow to see LMS platforms as the best source of information at the service of their needs. The smarter the virtual coach, the more able he will be to deliver personalized and effective experiences over time.
Depending on the training objectives, the virtual coach can:
- suggest training material to be studied on the basis of the preferences demonstrated or the training gaps detected
- suggest tests to evaluate the user's knowledge or games to evaluate their aptitudes or skills
- send reminders about activities to do or share progress based on a skill gap analysis previously carried out
- suggest upskilling and reskilling activities
BENEFITS OF USING A VIRTUAL COACH
Using a virtual coach not only facilitates the learner, but also benefits LMS platform administrators. The virtual coach provides answers built and formulated with an automatic system, without the need for manual controls that require the use of internal resources and a greater margin of inaccuracy.
The future, therefore, undoubtedly sees artificial intelligence as the protagonist of distance learning.