Navigating lifelong learning in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) – World Health Organization (WHO)

Report on Advancements in Adult Learning and Education Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In the context of a rapidly evolving global environment, adult learning and education are experiencing significant transformations. These changes are driven by technological innovation and the critical need for lifelong learning. This report summarizes insights from a WHO Academy seminar featuring Daniel Baril, Chair of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, who presented five innovative models illustrating the future of learning and education. The discussion emphasizes the alignment of these advancements with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Purpose of the Seminar

The seminar aimed to explore innovative approaches that support continuous professional development, enhance patient outcomes, and promote a culture of lifelong learning and reflective practice within healthcare teams. These objectives contribute directly to achieving SDG 3 by improving healthcare quality and SDG 4 by fostering inclusive and equitable quality education.

Key Highlights and Innovations

1. Adaptive Learning Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
   • Utilization of adaptive systems and AI to tailor educational content to learners’ unique knowledge gaps and goals.
   • Empowerment of learners to customize their learning pathways through AI and interactive tools.
2. Evolution of Learning Platforms
   • Transformation of advanced learning platforms into dynamic ecosystems that continuously adapt to learners’ evolving needs across their lifetimes.
3. Innovative Assessment Tools
   • Implementation of new tools and metrics providing instant feedback and adaptive assessments to effectively guide learning progress.
4. Integration of Learning into Daily Work
   • Seamless incorporation of learning activities into daily professional routines to support ongoing performance improvement and professional growth.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The seminar’s focus on lifelong learning and adaptive education technologies promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all adults.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By enhancing healthcare professionals’ continuous development and reflective practices, the approaches support improved patient care and health outcomes.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The integration of AI and advanced learning ecosystems exemplifies innovation in education infrastructure.

Participation Details

Interested individuals can join the seminar either in person or online to engage with these transformative educational models.

• In-Person Registration: https://indico.un.org/e/lifelong_learning
• Online Participation via Zoom: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/rLx3NuwNRgGHQHmekW8X8g

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on improving patient outcomes and fostering lifelong learning within healthcare teams, directly relating to health and well-being.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The emphasis on adult learning, lifelong education, adaptive learning systems, and continuous professional development aligns with ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The use of AI, advanced learning platforms, and innovative educational tools reflects the promotion of innovation and infrastructure development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
   • Target 3.c: Substantially increase health financing and recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.
2. SDG 4 Targets
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
3. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including through encouraging innovation and increasing the number of research and development workers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 3
   • Proportion of health workers trained in continuous professional development programs.
   • Patient outcomes improvement metrics linked to healthcare team education.
2. Indicators related to SDG 4
   • Number and percentage of adults participating in lifelong learning and professional development programs.
   • Use of adaptive learning platforms and AI tools to personalize education pathways.
   • Assessment scores and feedback metrics from adaptive assessments to track learning progress.
3. Indicators related to SDG 9
   • Implementation rate of AI and advanced learning technologies in educational settings.
   • Number of innovative educational tools and platforms developed and adopted.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: who.int