How AI Adoption Can Hinder Skill Development

Will the rise of workplace AI, automation, and robotics lead to an insurmountable skill gap for junior workers?

That’s the risk Matt Beane, Assistant Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara, warns about in his new book, The Skill Code.

Beane, who wowed HR leaders at the i4cp 2024 Next Practices Now Conference, recently joined our Next Practices Weekly series for an in-depth conversation with me about his research—and recommendations for how HR can effectively balance robotics and human skill development.

Expert Gains, Novice Losses: The Impact of Robotics

Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery has revolutionized the medical field, enhancing precision and reducing recovery times. However, it presents a unique challenge: while senior surgeons can now operate with unprecedented accuracy, junior surgeons miss out on critical hands-on experience.

Beane highlighted this issue in our conversation: "In robotic surgery, senior surgeons can operate solo, limiting hands-on learning opportunities for residents. This setup creates a novice-optional problem where junior practitioners have fewer chances to develop their skills."

Beane's research emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to robotic use. While robots offer clear benefits in terms of efficiency and outcomes, they can inadvertently widen the skill gap between seasoned professionals and newcomers. The medical field's challenge is to ensure that these advanced tools do not hinder the practical learning that is crucial for developing future experts.

Military

The military has long been an early adopter of advanced technologies, including robotics and AI. These tools have transformed various aspects of military operations, from reconnaissance to logistics. However, like in medicine, the integration of these technologies poses significant challenges for skill development.

"New tech often allows experts to work independently, which reduces opportunities for novices to learn through observation and collaboration," Beane explained. In the military, this dynamic can lead to a situation where experienced personnel operate sophisticated equipment without sufficiently passing on their knowledge to the next generation.

The key takeaway from both fields is clear: while robotics and AI can enhance performance and outcomes, they also necessitate a rethinking of how we train and develop human skills. Ensuring that novices gain the experience they need to become experts is a critical consideration.

 

Why human skill development is at risk

 

The integration of intelligent technologies in various industries is accelerating, and with it comes a significant risk to human skill development. As Beane points out, "We are sacrificing learning for productivity." The immediate benefits of robotics and AI—efficiency, precision, and cost savings—are clear. However, these benefits often come at the expense of the traditional pathways through which skills are passed from one generation to the next.

Senior professionals are more capable of working independently, which means fewer chances for juniors to learn by shadowing or collaborating closely with them. This shift can lead to a decline in the overall skill level within an organization over time.

The “skill code” as a framework for ensuring humans skill development

To address these challenges, Beane proposes the "skill code," a framework designed to ensure that human skills continue to develop even in an age dominated by technology. The Skill Code consists of three main components:

• Challenge: Engaging at the edge of one’s competence.
• Complexity: Understanding the broader context of one’s skills.
• Connection: Building trust and respect through collaborative learning.

"These elements are essential for effective skill development, especially in an age where technology can easily overshadow the human aspect of learning," Beane explains. By focusing on these principles, organizations can create environments that foster continuous skill development alongside technological advancement.

The role of “shadow learning” in skill development

In environments in which formal training opportunities are limited, shadow learning becomes a crucial, albeit unofficial, pathway for skill development. Shadow learners find ways to gain skills despite formal barriers. "For example, junior surgeons may practice on simulators or study recorded procedures extensively," Beane notes. "While these methods are not officially sanctioned, they are crucial for skill development."

Shadow learners teach learning designers better ways to help learners achieve mastery by highlighting gaps in formal training programs. But the learning processes shadow learners discover aren’t always safe to scale, and sometimes they’re just plain ineffective.

"We can find approved, appropriate ways of protecting the same things and redesigning processes and rules so that shadow learning doesn’t have to happen in the shadows," Beane advises. By recognizing and formalizing these informal learning pathways, organizations can better support their workforce's development.

Practical advice for HR professionals

HR professionals play a critical role in balancing the benefits of new technologies with the need for continuous skill development. Here are some practical strategies based on Beane’s insights:

• Start: Creating more opportunities for novices to practice and learn, even if it means slowing down short-term productivity. Says Beane, "Ensuring novices get meaningful practice and access to mentorship is crucial.".
• Stop: Relying on formal training programs that don’t provide hands-on experience. "One major mistake is overtraining on content. We often focus too much on formal training and not enough on practical, hands-on experience."
• Continue: Encouraging mentorship and collaborative learning environments where experts and novices can interact regularly. "Building trust and respect through collaborative learning is crucial."

By implementing these strategies, HR professionals can create environments where both productivity and skill development thrive. Investing in both areas can lead to better long-term outcomes, ensuring that organizations remain competitive and innovative.

HR’s imperative

The inevitable integration of robotics and AI into the workplace brings huge productivity boosts. But leaders must proactively ensure that AI doesn’t turbo-charge the experts at the expense of developing the skills of novices. The skill code offers practical advice and a simple framework--challenge, complexity, and connection—to help organizations nurture the next generation of skilled professionals while leveraging the power of advanced technologies.

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This aricle was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, then edited and fact-checked by i4cp staff.