As I was reflecting on FedLearn successes last year (including the U.S. Department of Defense piloting our artificial intelligence/data science course catalog and AI-powered, online learning platform) and looking ahead to 2023, I began pondering the future possibilities of AI-powered online training.

So, what should we expect from AI-powered, online training in 2023? Here are five predictions:

1. Integration of ChatGPT in online learning platforms. The introduction of a long-form, question-answering AI, ChatGPT, has been the “rage” of the past few weeks. For those of you unfamiliar with this solution developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT can answer complex user questions in a conversational manner. You now might be thinking that there isn’t anything revolutionary about a new chatbot. I beg to differ for two main reasons.
   • ChatGPT will expand intelligent tutoring capabilities exponentially for online learning platforms. ChatGPT advances user engagement via real-time conversations that greatly transcend current chatbot capabilities to becoming a helper, navigator and teacher. Yes. You read that correctly. ChatGPT can actually, and intelligently, instruct learners.
   • ChatGPT will develop online learning content. FedLearn has already experimented with this capability to create self-paced, online course outlines, content (based on the outlines), quiz questions, case studies and more. The technology is pretty incredible and, I dare say, mind-blowing. ChatGPT has the potential of shaping the future of online course and content development.
2. AI-powered measurement of knowledge transfer in simulation-based, online training. I expect to see AI being used to measure learner knowledge transfer and engagement in simulation-based, online training beginning this year. This will be a gamechanger, folks. Currently, learning analytics generated by simulations are primarily based on time-to-proficiency calculations. For example, say an experimental group uses a simulation to take an engine apart and a control group does not. The amount of time each group performs the assignment is measured, and any increases in time to proficiency are turned into cost-savings metrics. These are good metrics, but something fundamental is missing. Organizations currently don’t know what level of knowledge transfer is actually occurring in this type of online training. AI will bridge that gap.
3. AI-based content recommendations on “steroids.” AI-generated learner recommendations will reach a whole new level in 2023. The technology will use learner search terms to delve into its content repositories (segmented by the AI) to develop an entirely new piece of content. For example, say a learner types in ChatGPT that “I want to know how cryptocurrencies are used to circumvent sanctions.” The AI will then reach into its content repository and build a new piece of content with relevant information from videos, podcasts, PDFs and more–in turn, providing more personalized and targeted learning experiences.
4. Growth of AI-powered micro-learning. AI will use data (for instance from learner knowledge transfer and engagement scores on the FedLearn online learning platform) to identify and share new “bite-sized” pieces of content of potential interest. So, say a leaner identifies digital transformation as a key professional skill, but his/her/their knowledge transfer and engagement scores identify the subject matter as an area for improvement. The AI will delve into its content repository to identify and share new short, bite-size pieces of information–enabling learners to concentrate on the exact topic areas they wish to better understand in support of their professional development.
5. Data mining to identify learner knowledge gaps. As more data is collected on the thousands of users utilizing AI-powered learning platforms, the technology will begin to mine macro- and micro-knowledge gaps. With this information, the AI will develop online course content to address any identified knowledge gaps to directly improve the skill development of learners.

What are your thoughts about my online learning forecasts for 2023? Let’s start a conversation.

Dr. J. Keith Dunbar
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
FedLearn