ITC forum discusses AI’s role in transforming online learning

SME Trade Academy Forum speakers highlighted that AI has the potential to transform the learning experience by improving learner management and personalized tutoring.

The ITC SME Trade Academy Forum 2024 gathered experts from international organizations on 21 November in Geneva to discuss artificial intelligence’s transformative role in education and training. The event highlighted how AI can enhance learning experiences, particularly for small businesses and development initiatives.

In her opening remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted the real-world impact that AI may have in making e-learning courses more accessible and inclusive, notably for small businesses.

AI is a pivotal ally in this strategy, bringing us closer to a world where anyone, regardless of where they live or the language they speak, can access the same quality of education.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton

ITC Executive Director

AI: a tool, not a replacement

Throughout the session, panellists helped to demystify the belief that AI is going to replace humans. ‘At this stage, AI cannot do everything, but it basically opens up the door,’ said Tom Wambeke, Chief Learning Innovation at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He explained that to develop content for ILO trainings, there is an essential role of ‘trusted experts’ to ensure curation and make sure that the learning materials and delivery align with the needs of the learners. ‘In the past 40 years that we said learning is not just about broadcasting or dumping content.’

Human intervention is also key to the success of the trainings developed by the World Bank. Rick Housler, Senior Learning Specialist, detailed possible uses of AI outside of course development. ‘We have also used AI to summarize the qualitative evaluation feedback, which is also helpful. There is also AI built into the platform that we use to do recommendations based on your interest and the courses you’ve taken.’

The AI-human interaction was also part of the forum. An ITC AI moderator addressed questions to the panellists from an audience perspective. The AI moderator asked about useful AI tools for learning and development, and about developing AI avatars and a generative AI tutor. ‘That’s the first time an AI avatar asks a question about an AI avatar,’ said Mohamed Badreldin, Data & AI Specialist at WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Replying to the question, the WIPO AI specialist emphasized that it is crucial to have experts behind the development of the avatars to evaluate potential cultural sensitivities, for instance. ‘There are many steps to go through by experts before we push something out to the public.’

AI-powered learning journey with a human touch

The second session of the forum was dedicated to presenting the results of the pilot course AI-powered Course: Raising Funds for Your Business. This innovative course, delivered from 23 September to 20 October 2024, aimed to assess the impact of AI integration on learning outcomes, learner satisfaction, and completion rates.

With 438 participants who have started the course, this pilot introduced three groundbreaking AI personas: the AI Moderator, AI Tutor, and AI Grader. These AI-driven tools were designed to enhance mastery learning techniques and provide personalised support, creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience. This session provided insights into how AI can transform online education, offering participants an interactive and supportive environment.

There was personalized learning and a real synergy between human-like interaction and the AI. I could not believe it was not a human teacher with me in the course.

Mercy Gatere

One of 78 students who completed the course

During the AI-powered questions, after answering the points correctly the AI grader still wanted me to explain my answers in-depth to break my answers down so that my answers can be more understandable before it can pass me to the next page of the module.

Amaka Immaculate Anya

Founder of an organic coconut flakes business in Nigeria

In his closing, Shaun Lake, ITC Senior E-Learning Adviser, informed new AI supported will be available at the beginning of 2025.