Artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for personalized learning. Instead of giving every learner the exact same experience, AI tools can help provide different types of support based on individual needs. But as with most educational technology, the tool should never become more important than the learner.
Personalized learning can be surprisingly simple. A learner who understands a topic quickly might be directed to a more challenging activity. Someone who is struggling might receive another explanation, an example, or additional practice. AI can help make these options easier to create and manage.
Instructional designers can also use AI during the development process. For example, an AI tool might help create several versions of a practice activity at different levels of difficulty. It could suggest examples for different audiences or help turn a complicated explanation into simpler language. The instructional designer can then review and improve those materials before they reach learners.
There are also important questions to consider. What learner information is being collected? Where is that information stored? Is the AI tool accessible? Are its recommendations accurate? Faculty, administrators, technology teams, and instructional designers may all need to be part of these conversations.
For freelancers and contractors, this is especially important. We may enter a project excited about a new technology, but our job is not simply to introduce the newest tool. Our job is to understand the organization, the learners, and the goals of the project.
AI can help us create more flexible and personalized learning experiences. But good instructional design still begins with a simple question:
What does this learner need in order to succeed?