As AI continues to revolutionize the world of work, many companies are looking to integrate these technologies into their operations. However, for deskless workforces, the idea of AI can often be daunting. Many workers may feel that AI will eventually replace them, or that they simply do not have the necessary skills to work alongside these advanced technologies.
But here’s the good news: with the right approach to training, deskless workforces can not only adapt to an AI future, but thrive in it. Micro-Training on AI concepts is an excellent way for companies to prepare their workers for an AI future, and help them feel excited and ready, not fearful.
McKinsey reports that 45% of work activities could potentially be automated using existing technologies. Does this mean doom and gloom? Absolutely not. This means that many deskless workers will need to learn new skills and adapt to new ways of working in order to stay relevant in the job market. Thus, by offering Micro-Training on basic AI concepts, companies can help their workforce ease into these changes, and develop the skills they need to work alongside AI technologies.
How AI Benefits The Deskless Workforce
If you’re a forklift operator reading this, and you just thought to yourself, “I’m a forklift operator, I don’t need AI”, allow us to change your mind. Imagine a forklift operator working in a busy warehouse, where they are responsible for moving pallets of inventory from one location to another. With the help of AI, this operator could receive real-time information about the location of each item in the warehouse, the optimal path to take to move from one location to another, and even suggestions for which items should be moved first to optimize the overall workflow.
Additionally, AI could be used to monitor the operator’s movements and identify areas where they could be working more efficiently or where they may be at risk for injury. For example, if the AI notices that the operator is frequently turning their neck or twisting their body in an unnatural way, it could suggest adjustments to their posture or recommend stretches to help prevent strain or injury. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
Perhaps you’re the person who manages the Forklift Operators, and the learning curve feels a bit sharp for you at this point in time. Not to worry, you’re not alone. The concept of Micro-Training can be helpful in building confidence when dipping your toe into a new topic, such as AI. Micro-Training allows you to explore AI as a new concept through mini hands-on learning opportunities while you’re still warming to the idea of embedding it into your company or workflow.
Not only does Micro-Training on AI concepts help workers develop new skills, but it can also boost morale and productivity. In fact, a study by the Brandon Hall Group found that companies that offer micro-learning opportunities see a 50% increase in employee engagement and a 30% increase in productivity. By investing in the development of their workforce, companies can not only improve their bottom line, but also foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Let’s break Micro-Training down.
Micro-Training is a familiarity practice you can apply to new concepts, such as your AI exploration. Here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Identify your learning objectives: Before you begin your micro-training, you should identify your learning objectives. What do you want to learn about AI? Do you want to learn about the basics of AI or do you want to learn how to use AI in a specific industry or function?
- Identify micro-training resources: There are many micro-training resources available online, including articles, videos, and online courses. You can start with free resources like YouTube videos, blogs, and articles or you can invest in a paid course from a reputable institution or training provider. We’ve gone ahead and curated a list for you below.
- Set aside dedicated time for learning: To make the most of your micro-training, it’s important to set aside dedicated time for learning. You could schedule a specific time each day or each week to work on your training.
- Learn by doing: One of the best ways to learn about AI is to start working with AI tools and software. Many AI platforms offer free trials or free versions that you can use to practice and gain hands-on experience.
- Seek feedback and support: As you start learning about AI, seek feedback from others and connect with a community of learners. You can find online forums, social media groups, or join a professional association to connect with others who are also learning about AI.
By the way, Coding Temple is happy to be that support for you! Email your list of AI learning objectives to paytenj@www.codingtemple.com and we can help you develop the rest of your AI Micro-Training plan. Becoming familiar with AI is a continuous process, and it takes time and effort. But with Micro-Training and dedication, you can build your knowledge and skills in AI and stay ahead of the curve. Podcasts are a great vehicle in Micro-Training to get started building up your confidence in AI.
AI Podcasts:
Here are a few of Coding Temples favorite podcasts that offer valuable commentary on AI. Schedule these into your Micro-Training and you’ll be an AI expert in no time!
- “AI Alignment Podcast” by the Center for Human-Compatible AI at UC Berkeley. This podcast focuses on the challenges and potential solutions related to aligning artificial intelligence with human values.
- “This Week in Machine Learning & AI” hosted by Sam Charrington. This podcast features interviews with experts in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as discussions on the latest developments and trends.
- “Talking Machines” by Katherine Gorman and Ryan Adams. This podcast covers topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science, and features interviews with experts in these fields.
- “AI in Business” by Dan Faggella. This podcast explores the ways in which artificial intelligence is transforming various industries, and features interviews with experts and thought leaders in these industries.
AI Youtube Channels:
Not a podcast fan? No problem. Check out these Youtube Channels offering excellent support into the realm of AI:
- Two Minute Papers – This channel offers short, easy-to-understand explanations of various AI concepts and research papers.
- Sentdex – This channel offers a wide range of tutorials and courses on AI, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
- Siraj Raval – This channel provides tutorials, lectures, and interviews on AI topics, including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision.
As we have seen, Micro-Training is a powerful tool for easing deskless workforces into the world of AI. With the right training and support, companies can help their employees become more familiar and comfortable with AI concepts, allowing them to work more efficiently and effectively. At the same time, Micro-Training can also reduce the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompanies technological change, paving the way for a smoother transition into the future. So let’s not be afraid of AI – let’s embrace it, one Micro-Training moment at a time.
