This informal CPD article, ‘Unlocking adult learning with AI-embedded technology’, was provided by OneAdvanced, who are providers of software and IT services to the public, private and not for profit sectors.
For many adult learners, going back into the classroom can be a daunting experience. Whether upskilling for current employment, or retaking GCSEs in order to gain the qualifications needed for a new job, the thought of revisiting maths, English, or digital skills can be overwhelming. However, with the right support and resources, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and confidence-building.
Taking the right approach
Adult education programmes often provide flexible learning options, personalised instruction, and a supportive community, making the journey back to learning a rewarding and empowering experience. There are a number of different pathways into adult learning, from colleges that take on mature students, to online courses and self-study.
One of the most popular routes is learning in the classroom, since learners feel they can ask questions more freely and get the help they need on the spot. For training providers and colleges with adult learners, any classroom-based learning should be augmented with digital tools designed to consolidate in-class instruction and stretch learners where necessary.
This blended learning approach usually works well for adults, who are typically self-motivated but time-poor. With some of the learning done at home digitally, the learner can study around general responsibilities including childcare and part time work. Learning can take place anywhere with an internet connection, making a cloud-based platform the ideal solution.
AI solutions for assessment and learning
The latest digital solutions utilise AI to gain a highly accurate assessment of individual learners. These solutions start with an in-depth initial assessment, producing an accurate level for each module. Using adaptive AI, the software then produces questions based on areas of strength and weakness in the initial assessment, ensuring learners get sufficient practice in needed areas.
The adaptive AI engine in this type of assessment and learning software is designed to constantly learn from previous answers, enabling a highly bespoke experience for each learner. This focuses learning on key modules (and topics within each module), saving time for the learner and highlighting specific areas for repeat practice. It may be, for example, that a learner generally achieves well on a Shape and Space module but needs extra help with compound measures; the system will recognise this and adapt subsequent questions accordingly.
What does good look like?
The most successful adaptive AI assessment and learning tools will do more than just provide tailored questions. They will provide highly engaging practice sections and assessment questions, made to appeal to a range of learning styles, with videos, animations, and visual aids. They will provide a number of answering styles, reflecting the type of answering required on the final exam. They will also be accessible to those with dyslexia and other learning needs, with options to change text size, button colour, and background colour. A built-in screen reader, or the ability to integrate common online applications such as ChromeVox is a further requirement.
The tutor side of the equation should form a large part of the picture. The right software should be able to provide granular-level detail on both individual learners and groups, giving the tutor the chance to address common blockers in the classroom. The software should also allow the tutor to provide examples using in-class monitors, giving learners the chance to raise any questions in a face-to-face environment. Further, data on initial assessment, progress, and achievement should be easily accessible, and able to evidence the learner journey for Ofsted and funding bodies.
Evidence and Impact
There have been a number of studies to support the efficacy of blended learning and AI-embedded software. A report by the Education Endowment Foundation (1) found that that personalised learning approaches enabled by AI can improve learner outcomes by as much as 30% compared to traditional teaching methods. Further studies by McKinsey (2,3) have highlighted that AI-enhanced education programmes can reduce learning time by up to 40%, empowering adult learners to meet their goals more efficiently.
Similarly, a Learning and Work Institute survey (4) found that adults who used digital tools to supplement their in-class learning reported increased confidence and retention rates, with 78% saying that AI-enabled applications helped them grasp challenging concepts more effectively.
Conclusion
Unlocking the full potential of adult learning requires innovation, adaptability, and the right tools to meet the unique needs of every learner. By integrating AI-embedded technology into learning programmes, training providers and colleges can create personalised and engaging experiences that inspire confidence and drive success. With a blend of in-class teaching and the latest digital tools, adult learners have a proven model that can help them overcome challenges and build new skills to advance their careers.
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References:
- ChatGPT in lesson preparation - Teacher Choices trial | EEF: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/choices-in-edtech-using-generative-ai-chatgpt-for-ks3-science-lesson-preparation-2024-teacher-choices-trial
- AI in the workplace: A report for 2025 | McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work
- The role of education in AI (and vice versa) | McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/artificial-intelligence/the-role-of-education-in-ai-and-vice-versa
- Learning at work 2023 survey report: https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/knowledge/knowledge-hub/reports/2023-pdfs/2023-learning-at-work-survey-report-8378.pdf
