How universities can revolutionise lifelong learning with AI

Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm, bringing with it a mix of excitement, apprehension and scepticism. As AI technology evolves, its implications for the workforce become more and more relevant. Universities have the chance to play a major role in fostering lifelong learning to prepare individuals for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Do we need AI skills?

AI’s transformative impact on jobs and every-day processes is undeniable. The OECD (2023) highlights that AI will revolutionise the labour landscape by automating tasks and, what’s more interesting, creating new job opportunities. According to LinkedIn’s Future of Work Report (2023), integrating Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E2, can lead to substantial efficiency gains and workers can focus on the more strategic and creative aspects of their jobs. In line with the rapid development in AI technologies, McKinsey (2023) estimates that nearly half of today’s skills will be disrupted in the next five years due to AI’s impact across sectors. Moreover, the World Economic Forum (2023) predicts that 60% of workers will need upskilling or reskilling by 2027, yet only half have access to adequate training. In line with the need for further learning, UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning calls for lifelong learning to be recognized as a human right.

60% of workers will need upskilling or reskilling by 2027, yet only half have access to adequate training”

World Economic Forum, 2023

Are universities up to the challenge?

Lifelong learning is emerging as the key to preparing society for the evolving job market. Universities, as key learning providers in our society, should ideally be positioned as the first responders to this enormous task that lies ahead. However, their lack of flexibility, the demand of significant time commitment and, generally, physical attendance is hindering their ability to cater to the needs of the modern lifelong learner. We need universities to be more flexible and become able to invite everyone to go back to university in a way that suits the needs, schedules and lives of the learners. This transition can turn universities into lifelong learning powerhouses, securing both their own as well as the future of society in general.

The process of becoming a lifelong learning powerhouse is gradual and transformative, requiring leadership and systemic changes across faculties, departments, and even partnerships. It requires a closer connection with and the involvement of employers and other stakeholders to develop programs that meet the changing demands of the labour market of tomorrow (Davey et al., 2020). Moreover, it demands a solid funding model and the establishment of a central coordinating unit (UNESCO, 2023). Universities are well-positioned to spearhead this cultural change, leveraging their talent, resources, and reputation to provide lifelong learning opportunities.

How universities can foster lifelong learning

To foster lifelong learning effectively, universities must adopt several key strategies, integrating flexibility, collaboration, innovation, recognition, and support into their educational frameworks. This holistic approach ensures that learning is accessible, relevant, and engaging for a diverse range of students.

1. Flexible learning pathways – Universities should offer modular courses that allow learners to study at their own pace. This flexibility is crucial for adult learners balancing work, family, and education.
2. Industry collaboration – Universities must collaborate with companies to ensure that their programs align with market needs. This collaboration can involve co-developing curricula, offering internships, and providing real-world problem-solving experiences.
3. Innovative pedagogical approaches – Incorporating online learning, hybrid models, and experiential learning can make education more accessible and engaging. These approaches cater to diverse learning styles and schedules.
4. Recognition – Universities should ensure recognition of the upskilling and reskilling activities undertaken by adult learners, as well as push for the validity of these credentials in the labour market. A culture of micro-credentials and fair recognition to newly acquired skills can motivate adult learners to pursue further education, strengthening their careers or even helping them move in a different direction.
5. Support systems – Providing career counselling, mentoring, and mental health support can help learners navigate their educational journeys. These support systems are essential for maintaining motivation and overcoming barriers to learning.

Conclusion

AI is reshaping the workforce landscape, demanding adaptability, new skills and a resilient workforce that is capable of navigating the ever-changing labour market. Lifelong learning initiatives play an essential role in this transformation, providing the tools and mindset needed for continuous adaptation. Universities must embrace their role as lifelong learning powerhouses, leading the charge and fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration to prepare the workforce for the future.

By understanding and addressing the needs highlighted in this article, universities can create a more resilient, adaptable, and skilled workforce ready to thrive in the age of AI.

Ready for more?

Head now to our podcast episode Learning with AI: Balancing technology, pedagogy and ethics to continue exploring the potential of AI to reshape higher education, balancing the integration of advanced technologies with ethical considerations.

In our article, Reshaping education through partnerships, technology, and innovation, we explore the need for universities to adapt to changing demographics, embrace lifelong and blended learning, and form transformational partnerships.

Jose Villagran-Polo (author) is the Deputy Manager R&D Projects at UIIN and works on topics related to university-business collaboration, entrepreneurial education and the role of university-based incubators in their regions.