Learning new things and deepening previously acquired knowledge are everyday realities for every expert working in the IT sector. Companies also explore various ways to accelerate and sharpen learning to be more agile in adapting to customer needs and changes in the business environment. It has been a long time since people were sent to several-day courses and events to learn about a technology or method that was trending at that moment. Instead, learning has been integrated into the workday, and the importance of social learning together has been steadily increasing. Now, we have a new tireless and always available colleague at our disposal, generative AI.
Instantly Available Expertise
Unlike colleagues who might be busy or away, ChatGPT is always ready to answer your questions. This instant access to information allows for faster problem-solving and reduces interruptions in the learning process, which is especially valuable in tight project schedules.
Learning is most effective when help is received exactly at the moment needed for solving a problem at hand. At that moment, a training attended a year ago or planned for the coming fall does not help. You can describe not only the problem to ChatGPT but also the context, getting very precisely targeted help.
ChatGPT has been trained on a massive amount of data, meaning it can provide information and insights on a wide range of topics. ChatGPT can offer in-depth answers and explanations to complex questions that go beyond an individual colleague's expertise or experience.
Example: Insert a complex SQL stored procedure into the ChatGPT prompt and ask for a description in your desired language.
Tailored Learning Paths
Every learner has unique needs and learning styles. ChatGPT allows for personalizing the learning experience, focusing on the areas that are relevant to the individual's current projects or career goals. This personalized approach can make learning more efficient and motivating.
In my experience, learning is a gradually deepening process, where what was learned before provides the basis for grasping the next, more challenging topics. As learning progresses, better abilities to ask the right questions and consider applications related to one's daily life also develop. In these moments, ChatGPT feels like an unbeatable assistant to me.
Example: Ask ChatGPT to assess your current level of expertise and plan your study path and schedule for the next three months.
Interactive Learning Experience
Traditional learning tools, such as books and videos, offer a static source of information that does not change or adapt to the learner's needs. This can make absorbing information really tedious. Often, also, a large part of the content is irrelevant at the moment and therefore does not stick in the mind. Learning with ChatGPT is interactive; you can ask questions, explore different scenarios, and get immediate feedback. This dynamic interaction can help deepen understanding and promote critical thinking.
I have significantly reduced googling because it wastes a lot of time compared to information search assisted by ChatGPT. Often, I also ask ChatGPT to summarize information I find on the internet before deciding whether to spend time reading it.
Example: Ask ChatGPT to compare data warehouse modeling approaches and describe their strengths and weaknesses.
Support for Practical Training
One of ChatGPT's most significant advantages on the learning path is its support for practical training. Understanding the theory is just the first step. Real expertise is developed when we get to apply what we have learned in practice. There isn't always just the right project available, in which case good exercise tasks are an invaluable help. ChatGPT can help create exercise tasks and projects tailored to the learner's needs and skill level. You can also ask for feedback on your code or suggestions for improvements.
Example: Ask ChatGPT to generate a database that you can use for practicing SQL queries / completing tasks on the study path.
Less Interruption in the Workplace
Although learning from colleagues is valuable, it can also create disturbances when multiple people interrupt each other to get help or advice. By using ChatGPT as the primary source of information, teams can reduce interruptions and improve focus, leading to a more efficient workday.
Anonymity and Low-Threshold Queries
Asking questions to colleagues can sometimes feel challenging, especially if we fear that our questions might seem "stupid" or reveal our ignorance. With ChatGPT, you can explore topics and ask questions anonymously, which encourages risk-free learning and helps overcome barriers that might otherwise slow down progress.
Combination of Traditional and New Learning
ChatGPT's answers are based on existing data up until its last training update, which means it may not be aware of the latest developments. This can lead to knowledge gaps, especially in rapidly developing fields. In addition, the lack of personal responsibility and the possibility of producing false or biased information are concerns that must be considered.
While ChatGPT offers many advantages, it's important to understand that it has its limitations and does not fully replace traditional social learning. At its best, it serves as a complementary resource, enriching the learning experience and supporting professional development. Although ChatGPT is confusingly human it does not have a personal touch that comes from human interaction. ChatGPT cannot replicate the complex social learning processes, such as mentorship, emotional support, and the cultivation of professional relationships. Personal conversations and sharing experiences with colleagues are still valuable, bringing depth and context to the information provided by ChatGPT. ChatGPT should be used judiciously, supplementing rather than replacing the learning experiences provided by human interaction.
