“Year-over-year persistence for students who begin their studies at age 25 or older is 35 percentage points lower than for students beginning at age 20 or younger,” indicating a challenge in engaging and retaining adult learners (JFF).
How can we transform the learning experience for millions of adult learners to be more engaging, effective, and aligned with the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world?
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification in adult learning and digital literacy holds immense potential to revolutionize education. Gamification is the application of game design elements into non-gaming areas such as education. AI can personalize learning and automate tasks, while gamification boosts engagement and retention. Crucially linked to digital literacy, policies must ensure equitable access for all adult learners. This aligns perfectly with Digital Promise’s mission to expand opportunity and empower every learner. By fostering accessible and engaging AI-powered gamified learning, we can bridge research with technology, directly benefitting adult learners, educators, and policymakers within our communities.
The policy landscape for AI and gamification in adult learning is still emerging and lacks cohesion. Existing policies focus on digital skills, AI research, workforce development, and educational technology, but specific guidance on AI-driven gamification for adults is scarce. This gap highlights the urgent need for focused policy recommendations in this evolving area.
Implementing AI and gamification in adult learning faces notable challenges. The digital divide—driven by unequal access and varying levels of digital literacy skills development—risks excluding many learners. Concerns around data privacy and ethics, including biases encoded into system algorithms, require careful attention. The costs of implementing advanced AI platforms and tools can be substantial for both institutions and learners. To prevent adults from seeing gamification as just a game, we need to ensure the learning design is strong and effective.
However, these technologies also offer significant opportunities. Personalized and adaptive learning powered by AI can tailor education to individual needs and improve outcomes. Gamification can boost engagement and motivation through interactive and rewarding experiences. AI can enhance accessibility and flexibility by providing 24/7 support and overcoming geographical barriers. AI-powered, data-driven insights can inform instruction and track progress, benefitting both students and educators. These tools can facilitate the development of in-demand skills through engaging simulations and improve administrative efficiency for educators.
AI and gamification can transform adult learning by making it more engaging and personalized, leading to stronger knowledge retention and confidence. Learners can gain flexibility and enhanced career prospects by improving their digital skills. Educators benefit from tools that support personalized feedback, administrative automation, and data-driven insights, enabling greater innovation. Communities benefit from a more skilled workforce, increased digital literacy, reduced disparities, and a stronger culture of lifelong learning. These technologies promise a more dynamic and equitable future for adult education.
To immediately advance AI and gamification in adult learning, policymakers should prioritize three key actions.
These focused efforts will lay a strong foundation for innovation and access in the evolving landscape of adult education.
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