How AI and technology are changing business

With the rise of AI generative tools there has been much discussion, particularly over the last year, as to what this could spell for the world of work. 

While the use of AI by the general public has become more widespread in recent months (you only have to look at the wealth of generated images now used on social media to see this) the use of AI as a business tool has been around for a long time. We’re talking decades. 

The benefits of AI to your business may not be obvious, especially if you are not part of the digital or technology sector, but AI can be implemented into any organisation to improve efficiency, save money and even increase innovation. 

ACT, Wales’ leading training provider, isn’t new to the AI game either. We are proof that this technology can be implemented regardless of industry.  

At ACT we have used ChatGPT within our Systems Development team. It helps the team solve problems such as finding out why a particular piece of code doesn’t work. This allows for more efficient completion of tasks, freeing up our staff to do more important work.  

We also use the program in recruitment. It is used to create effective interview tasks and questions, based on key job role criteria, allowing for simple but effective questions that are designed to get the most insight on candidates based on their knowledge and experience.   

Our Curriculum and Resource Development team use it to stimulate thinking and overcome ‘blank page’ at the beginning of any project. The tool can be given learning outcomes and asked to create session ideas or improvements to existing resources.   

Talking about the influence of AI in the education sector and the wider world of work, Managing Director at ACT Richard Spear, said:

AI is an extremely powerful and exciting development that has the potential to add even more value to the services we delivery to learners.  

“We are currently developing training to help staff and learners know how to use AI sensibly and ethically.  

“At the end of the day, our work is all about people and that will not change. AI cannot motivate, empathise, coach and encourage our learners.  

“I don’t see AI as a threat to jobs, but something that can help us solve problems, produce resources and be even more efficient.” 

Another way in which technology is changing the education sector, specifically in its delivery, is through hybrid teaching. 

The pandemic brought about the escalation of remote learning and while many of us were forced to make do with video calling, there are limitations to what a remote classroom or meeting space can provide. 

ACT has recently invested in a digital room, offering high spec technology to a teaching setting. 

The room is kitted out with a camera that is controlled through hand gestures. With it, the host or speaker can present and freely move around the room while the innovative camera tracks their movements. It can also zoom in on different people, as well as lock on to a whiteboard for seamless information sharing. 

The room is easy to set up, with hosts only needing a lapel microphone and basic training to navigate the system. 

Sam Holland, ACT’s Curriculum Development Manager, said: “The digital room is an investment in nurturing inclusivity. It means learning is more flexible and learners can embark on a course that fits around them and their personal commitments. 

“Whenever workshops are delivered in our digital delivery suite, they are delivered in a hybrid way. So, whether you attend in person or at home, you’re still getting the same experience.” 

Find ACT’s array of digital courses here.