AI, VR Can Augment Learning And Development, But Cost Remains Barrier

As business goals continue to evolve, organisations are implementing learning and development practices with an emphasis on technology-led skills. Data science, cloud computing and artificial intelligence are currently coming to the forefront of business innovation, creating a need to digitally back the workforce.

Larger organisations are more inclined towards adopting AI-driven and virtual reality-based learning solutions. According to a recent report by edForce, a workforce upskilling platform, 46% of these companies leverage such technologies to deliver personalised and immersive training experiences. AI enables tailored learning paths by analysing individual needs, while VR offers a more practical and hands-on approach that replicates real-world scenarios. 

However, the adoption of these advanced technologies faces challenges, especially in India, where budget constraints limit implementation. While the potential of AI and VR to bridge skill gaps and enhance workforce readiness is undeniable, their cost remains a barrier for many smaller organisations. This creates a gap in the accessibility of digital learning tools, highlighting the need for more affordable solutions to democratise technology-driven L&D practices.

The shift towards personalisation demonstrates the need for implementing targeted impactful solutions. As per the edForce report, 66% of organisations prefer to adopt personalised learning paths to address skill gaps effectively. This approach aligns training more closely with employee roles and career development. Additionally, by addressing these gaps, organisations ensure that employees feel valued.

The report shows that microlearning and gamification are gaining traction in the L&D landscape due to their ability to boost engagement and knowledge retention. Microlearning provides brief, focused training modules that cater to the attention spans and busy schedules of modern employees. Gamification incorporates elements such as leaderboards, badges, and rewards to make learning more interactive and enjoyable.

"The future of L&D lies in embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven personalised learning to create impactful and scalable training solutions. Organisations must go beyond traditional methods to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and upskilling," said Ravi Kaklasaria, CEO and co-founder of edForce.

The edForce report also highlights the need for integrating these methods in hybrid work models, improving training completion rates, and helping foster an adaptable workforce. These techniques have proven effective in maintaining employee engagement and ensuring training completion rates can be challenging.