Spotlight on Tailoring education with AI for adult learners with teacher trainer, Megan Walker

Megan explores how AI can be used to personalise learning both in the classroom and at home.

As she outlines, AI is really revolutionising adult learning education right now. Research indicates that AI is most used in adult education and Megan explains this to be the case in language learning in particular because AI enables us to generate language, to translate, and to interact.

But what are the benefits and the challenges of using AI in adult language learning?

Megan shares the benefits:

Time saving and efficiency- you can generate huge amounts of text such as a Lesson plan using AI In just a matter of seconds
Accessibility and inclusivity- If you have access to the technology and the tools then AI can help improve access ability. For example, if a student in a classroom is unable to attend a lesson physically full stop. Students with Learning difficulties and neurodiversity's could be supported using AI. Tools that convert text into speech or speech into text these could benefit learners who have visual impairments or dyslexia.
Autonomy-Learners can develop independence by using tools that support their learning
Variety- there are a vast range of tools out there for different tasks and you can use AI tool tools to make your learning varied.
Specific instruction - You can assign AI tools instructions and give them a role such as focusing on researching a discussion topic, it’s much more specific than searching on a search engine.
Real time feedback- you can get feedback on written work or speech within a matter of seconds which speeds up the time for learners if they're working on something to make improvements.
Motivating- And for some learners it would be exciting to use new tools.

As ever they are some challenges related to relying on internet connection, requiring devices and possible financial barriers with some tools, but the potential benefits far outweigh these challenges. And while the lack of human connection can be a challenge with AI tools, this reinforces the need for teachers who can make this connection: AI should be viewed as another tool that teachers can utilise, not something to take their place.

AI can help teachers to personalise learning through:

Creating learner profiles – identifying their skills, needs, progress and goals
Customised learning paths
Creating flexible learning environments
Competency based progression – helping learners to work at a pace suited to them

Before you start to use AI to personalise learning, it helps to conduct a needs-analysis for each learner in order to truly personalise their learning journey with help from AI.

To use AI effectively Megan explains the most helpful approaches to tailor education for each learner:

To introduce and explain different learning concepts and help students to understand it in a way that makes sense to them
Use platforms that adapt tasks to individual learners such as AI-powered digital course programmes such as Macmillan Pivot English
Use AI tools for immediate tailored feedback
Create diverse and specific AI Tools for varied learning
To help students take responsibility for their own learning and become more autonomous learners e.g. with habit trackers, organisers, and good reflection practices
Flipped classroom support where AI-generated videos, quizzes and explanations can enable pre-learning homework, leaving more class time for group discussion and activities

In summary, Megan highlights that while AI tools have huge benefits in saving teachers time and personalising learning, AI cannot replace “the human touch”. It is important to effectively evaluate tools and always encourage critical thinking to avoid over-dependence on AI.

Macmillan Education offer a wide range of AI-powered tools including Pivot English, an adult online course that combines premium English language content with a powerful AI environment to drive greater engagement and fast progress for learners.