Embracing Lifelong Learning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Nurturing Students' Skills for Success
By Kojo Ahiakpa, Aneyo Idowu Ayisat, Ravichandra Mondreti, Funmi Doherty
Context
In today's rapidly evolving world, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought about significant changes in various industries. As a result, it has become crucial for individuals, particularly students, to embrace lifelong learning and continuously develop their skills to thrive in this new era. This post explores the importance of lifelong learning in the context of AI innovations and provides evidence-based examples to support the arguments presented.
The need for lifelong learning in the age of AI
The emergence of AI technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for students. Businesses are increasingly investing in lifelong learning programmes for their employees to stay competitive [1]. A recent report by the World Economic Forum titled "Don’t be an AI tourist" concludes that companies are rushing to adopt generative AI to enhance their productivity; but many AI solution providers don't do the work needed to make the technology work in specific use cases. The report compiled the opinions of 1,600 machine-learning experts and business leaders and shows how to successfully adopt the technology. This trend underscores the importance of continuous skills development to adapt to the changing landscape. Lifelong learning not only ensures that individuals' skills remain relevant in their respective fields but also opens up new avenues for personal and professional growth.
Lifelong learning not only ensures that individuals' skills remain relevant in their respective fields but also opens up new avenues for personal and professional growth.
Digital literacy as a crucial skill
Digital literacy has become a fundamental skill in the age of AI. With the rapid advancement of digital technologies, students and professionals need to acquire the necessary competencies to leverage the opportunities presented by e-learning platforms [2]. Digital literacy encompasses various competencies, such as effectively using digital technology to search for and create content, solving problems, communicating and connecting with clients online, and collaborating with peers [2]. This is relevant not only in the context of "English language" settings but also in navigating the vast digital content available in any preferred language.
Enhancing digital literacy skills
To navigate the digital world effectively, students and professionals must go beyond basic computer usage and focus on developing critical digital literacy skills. These skills include evaluating the accuracy of digital information and identifying online threats [3]. By equipping themselves with these abilities, students can navigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities that the digital age offers. The University of Edinburgh's guidelines for blogging highlight the importance of crafting engaging content and catchy titles, which aligns with the strategies used in social media marketing [4].
Academic blogging for skill development
Academic blogging serves as an effective tool for students to enhance their writing skills and reach broader audiences. Through academic blog posts, students can express and explain their ideas while demonstrating the value of their content [5]. Platforms like Boomwriter, Nightzookeer, Kidblog, Google spaces, LinkedIn, Medium, Tumblr, and Blogger, provide opportunities for students to pitch and contribute original ideas, fostering their creativity and communication skills [6].
Writing skills and student development
Improving writing skills is another critical aspect of a student's education. Writing allows students to express themselves effectively while enhancing their mastery of correct usage of grammar, and punctuation to ensure clarity, and creativity [7]. In the 21st century, students must understand that AI tools are not meant to completely replace human involvement in academic writing. Instead, they should be viewed as writing assistants and tools that could help refine and better communicate students' ideas and thoughts [6,7]. Embracing AI is not to completely replace the art of critical thinking or research ideas, because human contributions remain essential, but students must prepare to stay ahead of the academic writing process curve by improving their writing skills and performance, because—no doubt—the development of AI will continue to advance academic writing and make it more competitive. Blog posts and op-eds, as cited earlier, can be an effective medium for students and authors to reach audiences they might not otherwise have access to [5].
Impacts of AI in the workplace
Adoption of AI in the workplace is becoming a fast-growing trend where human–AI engagement is the order of the day in many industries. AI will not only enhance the efficiency of humans in handling complex tasks in the workplace but also improve productivity. Any AI-assisted tool in the workplace thrives on human creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Conclusion
In the face of AI innovations, students must continue to develop and master lifelong skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Lifelong learning, particularly in areas such as digital literacy and writing skills, plays a crucial role in equipping students to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. Academic blogging provides a platform for students to enhance their writing skills, share their ideas and reach wider audiences. By embracing lifelong learning and adapting to AI advancements, students can position themselves for success in the evolving job market.
References
[1] Hagel III, J. (2021). What Motivates Lifelong Learners. Harvard Business Review.
[2] Cambridge English. (2022). Understanding and Developing Digital Literacy.
[3] The University of Edinburgh. (2018). Blogging Guidelines.
[4] Taylor and Francis. (n.d.). How to Write an Academic Blog Post.
[5] The Guardian. (2015). Blogging Students: How to Pitch and Blog.
[6] Teach HUB. (2021). How to Improve Writing Skills in Students.
[7] Holmes, W., Persson, J., Chounta, I. A., Wasson, B., and Dimitrova, V. (2022). Artificial intelligence and education: A critical view through the lens of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Council of Europe.
Kojo Ahiakpa is an agribusiness consultant with Research Desk Consulting Limited in Accra, Ghana. He has published more than 60 research articles, book chapters and conference proceedings in reputable journals and serves as a session/subject coordinator for the AuthorAID Online Journal Club on Environmental Toxicology, Biology and Chemistry. He is an author, independent research trainer, intra-Africa trade advisor and a founder.
Aneyo Idowu (PhD) is a faculty member at the Ecotoxicology and Conservation Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Nigeria, a session/subject coordinator of the AuthorAID Online Journal Club on Environmental Toxicology, Biology and Chemistry, Southwest Coordinator, AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria, and American College of Toxicology (ACT) Ambassador in Nigeria.
Ravichandra Mondreti is currently an independent researcher and principal consultant based in Noida, India. He has a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. He is a session/subject coordinator of the AuthorAid Online Journal Club on Environmental Toxicology, Biology and Chemistry.
Funmilayo Doherty is a Chief Lecturer at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria. She has a PhD in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management and has more than 50 publications. She is the National Coordinator of the AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria, and coordinator of the AuthorAID Online Journal Club on Environmental Toxicology, Biology and Chemistry.