Why Job Displacement During the AI Revolution Is Different Than in Previous Revolutions.
We faced similar challenges during previous industrial revolutions, but this time the pace of AI adoption and the speed at which it shows results are much faster than society’s capacity to retrain the displaced workforce. That is the basic equation we deal with.
We combined primary research with research from Salesforce, McKinsey, the Brookings Institute, and the World Economic Forum. All trends point to over 45 million jobs made obsolete by AI by 2030 just in the US.
Of course, some new jobs will emerge, but there is a net gain in the system’s efficiency.
Misinformed voices with an arrogant view claim that people will get new jobs. There are two problems with that: the system takes time to retrain the population, which means harsh times for some, and secondly, a large percentage of the population lacks the basic literacy level required.
Even if we successfully retrain the displaced workforce, transitions are rough for individuals and families who will be sub-employed or unemployed for some time. In some cases, that is a matter of survival.
Reskilling is a complex challenge, as more than half of US adults have a reading comprehension level below the 6th grade, and 34% are below the 3rd grade; this is quite a mountain to climb.
As per research from X4Impact, the US deploys $29 billion per year into 34,000 organizations focused on workforce development, which can barely train less than 15% of those that all forms of automation will displace.
These programs could be more efficient; most see sub-10% participation rates even during high unemployment.
The private sector cannot afford to absorb the expenses of retraining the displaced workforce because we are talking about basic literacy programs, and shareholders would never approve of that expense.
As I am sure you are, I am trying to wrap my head around this puzzle.
AI-powered Education may have a role in helping us address this skills gap. The GPT-based prototypes we have built to create engaging, personalized tutors work amazingly well. Unlocking the economics of the puzzle is the challenging part.
Breaking Barriers: AI-powered Education for Personalized Learning
In schools worldwide, entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, and students are exploring the power of AI to save time, personalize learning, and increase the efficiency of their operations.
Although AI has already been used to boost inclusivity and productivity, recent advancements offer the opportunity to reimagine solutions to longstanding educational challenges at a time when they are needed most.
At AI4SP.org, we have been testing the capabilities of AI to address the literacy gap innovatively. Using OpenAI, we developed GPT-4 powered prototypes of personalized tutors. TRY IT HERE.
Some of our AI-driven tutors work with a defined corpus of data, utilizing the power of embeddings and fine-tuning to deliver outstanding results.
AI tutors adapt to each student’s learning style, background, and interests. Teachers define the day’s lesson, and the AI tutor seamlessly conveys the message using a personalized approach. Which empowers students to engage with the content in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
Learning by execution, thanks to embedded AI-based tutors.
AI-powered Education takes shape through stand-alone learning solutions and virtual assistants integrated into software solutions and services. Github Copilot is an example, alongside hundreds of new productivity tools that feature AI assistants to help users become more creative and proficient, ultimately generating better outputs.
- Canva released AI assistants such as Magic Write™ and Magic Design™ to aid users in creating social media content, engaging marketing materials, presentations, and more. Each of these AI-powered tools is evolving into a tutor, helping to bridge the digital skills gap.
- Type.ai is an excellent AI-powered word processor that teaches users while assisting in content creation.
- Grammarly is continuously adding new AI-powered features. It demonstrates the power of an AI assistant that offers real-time value as an expert copywriter and editor while teaching users how to improve their writing.
By using any of these three software solutions, users will learn, while creating productive outcomes, how to become better writers, marketers, designers thought leaders.
However, addressing the basics is crucial for individuals with literacy skills below the 6th grade before tackling digital skills. As a society, we must collectively work to overcome this foundational challenge.
A Brighter Future: Unlocking Potential Through AI
When powered by inclusive and ethical training datasets, AI has the potential to bring practical education at the speed of light to the millions that will be displaced. AI-powered Education Solutions will make education, upskilling, and retraining more inclusive, affordable, and personalized.
By leveraging AI, we can bridge the skills gap and equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the future.
Understanding the challenge and leading with empathy and compassion is crucial during these exciting times. As we navigate this transformative era, we invite you to join us in harnessing the power of AI for Education. Together, we can shape a future where every learner can unlock their full potential and contribute to a better world.