How AI Will Change Learning Experience Design
Spoiler: it's more about pedagogy than content & tech
Like most other humans on the planet, I’ve been playing with ChatGPT this week. Here are two initial thoughts on how AI will impact the way we design learning experiences.
Spoiler: it’s more about pedagogy than content & tech.
🤖 Prediction 1: The Death of the Essay + Exam
One thing I learned very quickly is that ChatGPT can write a very solid university-level essay in ~15 seconds.
Simply enter the question, and there you go. If you're not happy with the tone or focus, you can simply ask it to sound smarter or focus in on a particular theme or whatever else you want, with pretty great results.
In the post-ChatGPT world, things like essay-writing as a measure of learner understanding is already deeply problematic.
Inevitably, counter-tech is being built to detect AI-generated content, but this cat and mouse game between instructors and learners can only last so long.
🤖 Prediction 2: The Rise of Critique & Creation
In a world where AI has all the answers, I predict that there will be a new focus on what's usually referred to as Higher-Order learning experiences.
In practice, this means that instead of the learning experience being about the recall & restating of given facts, it becomes an exercise in critiquing information and creating new understanding.
Example: instead of recalling information in an exam / quiz, or restating it in an essay, we instead review information and infer meaning from it, connect concepts to one another, put information together in new or novel ways and use information to find new, and original ideas and solutions to unsolved problems.
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In short, the forces of AI tech like ChatGPT are rapidly pushing us towards a world of "higher order" learning experience design which - unlike content + quiz approaches - are capable of transforming how we think and behave.
From a learning science perspective, this post-AI approach to teaching & learning delivers a number of really potent learning strategies which are proven to impact student understanding & achievement (think: active learning, metacognition, variable retrieval etc etc). Pretty exciting stuff.
In the world of learning experience design, the impact of AI technology will be as much as what AI *can't* do, as it is about what it can do.
What do you think the impact of AI will be on how we design learning experiences? I’d love to hear from you!
One more thing…. You can join the waitlist for my Course Design Accelerator here. It’s a four week, hands-on, cohort-based design sprint where we work together to design or redesign a course of your choice using the science of product + learning.
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Dr. Phil, I'm glad you published this. Timely, indeed.
I thought I would ask ChatGPT this question to see if you cheated on your essay. It turns out, you didn't. :-) I thought its answer was rather self-serving.
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ME: How will AI impact the way we design learning experiences?
ChatGPT:
AI has the potential to greatly impact the way we design learning experiences. Some of the ways it can do this include:
1. Personalization: AI can be used to create personalized learning experiences for each individual student, taking into account their unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This can make the learning experience more effective and engaging for each student.
2. Adaptive learning: AI can be used to create learning experiences that adapt to the needs of each student. For example, if a student is struggling with a particular concept, the AI can provide additional support and resources to help them understand it better.
3. Automation: AI can be used to automate certain tasks, such as grading and providing feedback on assignments, freeing up teachers to focus on more important tasks, such as providing one-on-one support to students.
Overall, AI has the potential to greatly enhance the way we design learning experiences, making them more personalized, effective, and engaging for students.
I don't yet see a problem with the current capabilities of AI assisting in the learning of motor skills. I asked ChatGPT two golf-related questions. The answers were quite good and could be helpful to a recreational golfer who's learning on their own.
A. How does a professional golfer hit a five-iron?
"To hit a five-iron shot in golf, a professional golfer would generally take a slightly wider stance than they would for a shorter iron shot, as this will give them more stability. They would also align their feet, hips, and shoulders slightly left of the target, as this will help them to create the proper angle of attack for the shot. From this position, the golfer would grip the club with their left hand below their right, and take the club back with a smooth, controlled motion, keeping their arms and wrists relaxed. As the club reaches the top of the backswing, the golfer would shift their weight onto their right foot and begin to rotate their hips and shoulders towards the target. As they do this, they would also release their hands and wrists, allowing the clubhead to "lag" behind their hands and wrists. This will create the necessary power and speed to drive the ball off the tee. Finally, the golfer would follow through with their swing, allowing their arms and the clubhead to continue moving towards the target after impact, while maintaining their balance and control throughout the swing."
B. What are the best strategies for practicing putting in golf?
"Some strategies for practicing putting in golf include:
1. Start with a small target: Rather than trying to make putts from long distances, start by setting up a small target (such as a coin or a golf ball) a few feet away from the hole. This will help you to focus on making a smooth, controlled stroke, and will also allow you to make more putts, which can help build your confidence.
2. Work on your aim and alignment: A key aspect of putting is ensuring that you are properly aligned with the target. To practice this, try setting up a series of tees or small objects in a straight line, and use these as a visual aid to help you line up your putts.
3. Vary the distance and speed of your putts: In a real round of golf, you will need to be able to make putts of different lengths and with different speeds. To practice this, try setting up a series of putts at different distances from the hole, and also vary the speed of your putts by using a variety of club choices (e.g., a putter, a sand wedge, etc.). This will help you to develop a feel for the amount of force you need to apply to the ball in order to make different types of putts.
4. Use visual aids: One effective way to improve your putting is to use visual aids, such as alignment sticks or a putting mirror. These can help you to develop a more consistent stroke and improve your aim.
5. Practice under pressure: Finally, it's important to practice putting under pressure, as this is what you will face in a real round of golf. To do this, try setting up putts with a time limit, or putt for small stakes with a friend. This will help you to develop the mental toughness and focus you need to make putts when it really matters."