Machine learning is shaping the e-learning space today.
Before we get started, let’s understand: what exactly is machine learning?
Is it similar to AI? It’s a subset of AI and the two are closely related but each of them performs a different task.
Machine Learning builds algorithms and selects models designed to provide the desired outcome. It recognizes patterns to deliver pre-defined results.
AI, on the other hand, locates problems, reshapes a machine learning algorithm and makes it more accurate.
What if I told you that there are numerous instances in your daily life when you experience the benefits of machine learning without even realizing it?
For instance, we can look at online food delivery platforms.
Did you ever wonder how they are able to predict the estimated time of food arrival and showcase a list of popular restaurants near you?
The answer is machine learning.
Similar to other fields, machine learning technology today is being applied in e-learning as well.
How is machine learning shaping online learning?
E-learning is ideal for creating customized, flexible, and learner-centered learning management systems.
Some of the benefits of using machine learning in e-learning are mentioned below.
Personalized learning to reskill employees
Learning is an unending process. If you think you know it all, you’re wrong.
What you learned 10 years ago is obsolete today.
In today’s dynamic and fast-paced environment, everything needs a makeover, even our learning.
Hence, the need for training employees in an organization constantly to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
Can you predict what employees already know and what are the skills gaps that need to be filled?
Yes, you can with an adaptive learning program that leverages machine learning algorithms.
In this kind of online training, learners answer a set of questions where the content they are familiar with gets removed automatically and the one they wish to learn is presented. Every learner can enhance their skills based on job requirements and keep up with growing demands.
Chatbots to Your Assistance
A chatbot is a software that can conduct a conversation with humans, assisting and guiding them as needed.
In the case of an e-learning course, chatbots can serve as visual instructors and answer learners’ questions.
If you think these are restricted to just answering queries, think again.
Chatbots are capable of assigning projects to learners, keeping track of their work, and providing motivation through meaningful feedback.
Machine learning-powered chatbots provide an interactive and guided learning experience in an e-learning course.
The best part is that they can work on different platforms like websites and mobile phones.
Increases Learner Motivation
Machine learning lets people acquire knowledge through a tailor-made online learning program.
Instead of going through the same redundant curriculum, an e-learning program focuses on the knowledge gaps and tweaks the content accordingly.
This eliminates demotivating factors like unimportant or lengthy information so users spend less time to acquire the desired skills.
Increases Course Efficiency and ROI
How efficient is your e-learning program?
You can get honest answers to this question with the help of machine learning.
With this technology implemented in an e-learning course, you can track how learners interact with it.
You can track the amount of time learners spend on a particular slide, whether they took a long time to answer assessment questions, and if they just skimmed through the content.
When such information is tracked, machine learning presents only the content for deep learning. Doing so increases the engagement level and in turn, the e-learning course becomes much more efficient.
Machine learning provides better customer experience training solutions as learners are able to focus on just their job-related tasks.
This cuts down on the course time to make scheduling easier and saves you from wasting resources on unnecessary training materials.
Conclusion
There are many benefits of applying machine learning to e-learning and its application is still evolving.
While there are some drawbacks in a few of its applications, the potential of machine learning is still being fully explored.
For instance, sometimes predictions can go wrong. If a learner hasn’t performed well in a particular assessment, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will not be able to grasp the concepts in an associated online course.
There’s no doubt about the capabilities of machine learning and the wonders it can do in the realm of e-learning.
In the not too distant future, it might be possible for a dedicated online tutor to help guide you to learn and master a particular topic.
Considering all of this, we can say that machine learning is set to transform the e-learning landscape gradually and will be foundational to its future.