Role of Life Long Learning in Age of AI

06.02.2024
Interview of Spiros Margaris by The Economic Times (India)

Recently, speaking at the inaugural session of Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, stressed upon the need for conviction, commitment, coordination and collaboration, from the entire world in order to create a global framework for the ethical use of AI.

The above statement truly testifies the importance of AI not in our day to day lives, but how it is going to shape or change the paradigm of future life of professionals across the globe.

In the 75th year of the Republic, India will start a National Programme on Artificial Intelligence and soon launch an AI Mission that aims to establish the computing powers of AI. This will provide better services to startups and innovators in India and also promote AI applications in the sectors of agriculture, healthcare and education.

Gone are the days when education was confined to the early years of life, setting the foundation for a career that spanned a lifetime. In the age of AI, where technology is advancing at an exponential rate, the traditional model of education is no longer sufficient. Lifelong learning, a continuous and self-driven pursuit of knowledge and skills, has become essential for staying relevant in the workforce.

For as long as AI has existed in popular media and cultural conversations, people have feared the notion of robots taking all of our jobs. While sentient AI is a long way off, the time has come for a frank conversation about the future of work and how humans can evolve their skillsets to keep up with the changing times.

We all need to understand that the driving force behind the need for perpetual learning is the rapid integration of AI into various sectors. Automation is reshaping job roles, rendering certain tasks obsolete, while creating new opportunities that demand a different skill set. To remain competitive, individuals must embrace a mindset of constant upskilling and reskilling, adapting to the changing demands of the job market.

One of the key benefits of lifelong learning in the age of AI is its ability to foster adaptability. The skills that are valuable today may not hold the same relevance tomorrow. Lifelong learners, equipped with the ability to acquire new skills efficiently, can seamlessly transition between roles and industries as tech continues to evolve. This adaptability is a crucial component of future-proofing one's career.

The democratisation of information through online platforms and e-learning has made lifelong learning more accessible than ever. Professionals can now engage in courses, webinars, and certifications from the comfort of their homes, tailoring their educational journey to fit their schedules. This accessibility not only empowers individuals to take control of their career paths but also eliminates barriers that may have hindered learning opportunities in the past.

Employers are increasingly recognising the value of employees committed to lifelong learning. In a dynamic and competitive business environment, companies seek individuals who can adapt to change and contribute innovative solutions. Employees who invest in their continuous development not only enhance their personal growth but also become invaluable assets to their organisations.

The age of AI demands a paradigm shift in the way we approach education and career development. Lifelong learning is no longer an option but a necessity. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, adaptability, and creativity will not only open doors to new opportunities but also ensure that humans remain at the forefront of innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

As we navigate the complexities of the future, the commitment to lifelong learning will be the compass guiding individuals toward success.

Finally, remember that when people previously feared jobs would disappear and tasks would be replaced by machines, this was not necessarily the case. For instance, the introduction of automated teller machines (ATMs) did not eliminate bank tellers, but it did change their tasks. Another example is accountants and the introduction of Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet programme. Excel did not make accountants' jobs obsolete but enhanced their work and skills. So choose a career you enjoy and keep learning - so that if you need to change course in the future, you know how.

(The author is founder of Margaris Ventures. He will be speaking at the ET Now Global Business Summit, 2024, in New Delhi)

Published in The Economic Times (India)