Why AI May Lead to More Instructional Design Jobs, Not Fewer
There is a lot of speculation out there about fewer jobs due to AI. This is a definite possibility and should be a big part of the conversation concerning how AI will be regulated, used, and shared in the future.
I’m not an expert on AI, nor do I have a crystal ball to say what will happen. However, lately I’ve seen a few indications that the use of artificial intelligence products may lead to a higher demand for instructional designers, rather than leading to a loss of jobs. Here are some thoughts bouncing around in my head.
A Need for Training on Using AI Features
The most immediate need for instructional designers and trainers may be in the area of teaching people to use new AI tools and features. Many programs people use every day have already added AI features for writing, image generation, and data analysis. Training employees to use these features can save time and make their work more effective. Rather than having hundreds of people figuring out AI tools on their own, it makes more sense (and saves time and money) to have the instructional designer learn the tools and create training on how to best use these tools for a particular business, workflow, or task.
A Need for Up-skilling and Re-skilling
If all companies have access to the same AI tools, it may be more difficult for them to find a competitive edge. Finding an advantage over the competition may come down to the human element of innovation. Companies who support their employees in learning and growing in new ways will benefit from their new ideas.
In addition, employers will not be able to rely on workers having gained skills in AI in school or previous employment, as the field changes so rapidly those skills will soon be out of date. People will need continual training to keep up with the new AI offerings and features that are introduced.
On the employee side, people will be motivated to learn new skills as some of their previous work tasks are done or simplified by AI. Depending on the industry, this may mean retraining for a whole new career path. Colleges and universities (and even private bootcamps and course creators) can fill this need with the help of instructional designers.
A Need for an Evolution of the Educational System
The educational system as a whole will need to change and evolve to address the changes that are brought about from artificial intelligence. For example, students will need to learn to think creatively - something often lacking in the current education system. Another example is the need to connect learning across subjects as innovation is often sparked by relating seemingly unrelated topics. Building entrepreneurial skills is another opportunity for the education system, as even traditionally employed people will need treat their careers almost like a business by focusing on how they add value to their companies and how they stand out from the competition when looking for work.
A Need for Human Connection and Meaning
As we saw during the pandemic, learning with limited human connection leads to disappointing results. People need other people when learning - for motivation, for discussion, for feedback, and for general construction of knowledge. Without that human teacher-student relationship, often learning falls apart.
As daily interactions become more automated, human connection becomes more memorable and powerful. All people strive for meaning in their lives and in their work. In addition, customers and clients connect with businesses through human interactions, stories, and relationships. These are things that can never truly be replaced by artificial intelligence.
A Need for Novelty and Surprise
Finally, as algorithms narrow what is shown in search results, social media, and other internet spaces, there is an emerging need for novelty and surprise. As AI learns what a person likes and prefers, it will tend to feed more of the same to that person. However, over time this creates a dull and repetitive user experience.
As mentioned above, as AI tools become prevalent, human innovation becomes one of the only ways to stand out of the crowd. The information and insights needed for true innovation often come from outside of someone’s core tasks and roles. The ability to introduce people to new ideas and new ways of thinking will be welcome if people grow tired of hearing the same ideas and opinions most of the time.
Conclusion
Again, these are just my thoughts as I learn more about AI and the possibilities of the future. There are many more possibilities as well! In any case, it is important that we all remain flexible and adaptable as the world continues to change.