Many of us learning professionals have recognized early on that Generative AI holds limitless potential for the learning process. The ability to tap into rich knowledge repositories and train responsive virtual tools to guide learning has brought new excitement to the world of learning.
The rapid advancement of GenAI technology and the continued development of its capabilities are enabling us, as learning professionals, to realize a new way of thinking: a truly democratic and inclusive approach to learning.
In today's rapidly evolving digital environment, AI has emerged as a transformative force with profound impact across sectors, yet the benefits of AI innovation and expertise are not being shared equally across all segments of society.
This digital divide not only perpetuates disparities, it also stifles inclusive progress and limits opportunities for diverse perspectives to shape the future of this intelligence technology.
Access to AI knowledge and skills is becoming a prerequisite for meaningful participation in the workforce. Empowering underrepresented groups such as women, religious and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, older people and economically disadvantaged communities can remove barriers and open new paths to economic empowerment and social mobility. Slogans about artificial intelligence (AI) appear on a screen at the Intel Pavilion during the World Economic Forum's 54th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 16, 2024. (Credit: DENIS BALIBOUSE/REUTERS)
Providing equitable access to AI education and training will equip individuals with the tools to understand and leverage the potential of AI technology, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the innovation and decision-making process.
Rapid advances in technology require individuals and communities to continually learn and adapt. Fostering a culture of lifelong learning and digital literacy helps individuals adapt to technological change, seize new opportunities, and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous society.
As the Director of Learning at Appleseeds, I am committed to spreading knowledge of AI among underrepresented groups. This is our primary direction for 2024 and beyond, but it is also my personal mission. Having worked as a learning professional primarily in the technology space for the past 20 years, embracing this new technological frontier in the context of fostering growth for underserved communities brings new opportunities in my professional life.
The ability to inject new content into ongoing learning programs and create entirely new courses tailored to diverse learning audiences, as well as support other NGOs (including our own) in implementing this new technology, is a truly incredible professional opportunity and one for which I am grateful.
Diversity fosters innovation, and innovation fosters growth and prosperity.
Today, these statements are common knowledge and drive Appleseeds' mission: By empowering underrepresented groups with AI knowledge, they can use these technologies to drive local innovation, solve problems specific to their communities, and advocate for policies that advance equity and justice.
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Cultivating AI expertise among underrepresented groups will enrich the talent pool and increase diversity of thought in AI research, development, and implementation.
Whether we are using AI for personalized healthcare solutions, sustainable resource management, or inclusive education platforms, diverse voices and experiences are essential to designing and implementing solutions that benefit everyone.
Equipping underrepresented groups with AI knowledge will not only increase their employment and career advancement opportunities, but also make them more resilient in the face of future disruptions.
The author is Director of Learning at the Israeli NGO Appleseeds, “helping geographically and socially marginalized people step into the digital world” and spearheading AI integration and strategy. He has also served as Manager of Wix Academy, leading their engineering learning and brand efforts, and has held a number of learning management positions in the tech sector.
