Teaching Generative AI: Insights from the Trenches
In my previous article, “Harnessing AI: My Journey from Dreamer to Doer,” I conducted a self-audit of how I’ve been using generative AI and shared my findings. This time, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned from teaching others how to use generative AI.
The Natural Adoption Curve
The biggest revelation was understanding people’s natural adoption tendencies. Are they early adopters, self-starters, or fast followers? Let me illustrate this with a story that might resonate with you, especially if you remember when ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) were introduced.
The ATM Parallel
Imagine the days before ATMs. You’d go to the bank at lunchtime to cash your payroll check, facing long lines of people waiting for the tellers behind the counter. It was frustratingly slow. The bank then installed ATMs outside, but people were hesitant. They wondered if the machines would eat their money or make errors in their balance.
However, one day you see someone using an ATM, and you start to think, “Maybe I can try that next time.” You observe closely and see them complete their transaction quickly. Eventually, you decide to give it a shot, and to your surprise, it works seamlessly. Over time, you become comfortable not just depositing checks but also withdrawing money. This gradual process of getting comfortable with new technology by mimicking others is crucial.
The Challenge with Generative AI Adoption
Today, with tools like ChatGPT, we have resources like YouTube tutorials, but you have to seek them out. Unlike ATMs, you don’t pass by someone using ChatGPT in their daily routine. Unless your workplace actively uses and shares success stories about ChatGPT, the likelihood of adopting it remains low.
My Approach to Teaching ChatGPT
In my consulting practice, I focus on slowly introducing people to ChatGPT. I start by showing them how to ask simple questions. Over time, they begin creating their own chats, receiving responses, and learning to think and process information more effectively.
However, I’ve noticed that people often don’t reflect on what they learn. They use the tool superficially, missing deeper learning opportunities. In today’s fast-paced world, reflecting and digesting information is a lost art. Thus, I ensure follow-up conversations where they can reflect on their experiences and insights gained from using ChatGPT.
Company-Wide Adoption Challenges
The adoption challenge isn’t limited to individuals; it’s equally true for companies. Simply asking people to use a new tool or following up with them isn’t enough. It must be super easy for them to integrate it into their workflow. Despite daily advancements in AI technologies, only early adopters are willing to explore and discuss these tools. Many still view AI as trivial and not worth their time.
Lessons Learned
Observe and Mimic: Just as with ATMs, people learn best by observing others. Providing opportunities for employees to see ChatGPT in action can bridge the adoption gap.
Start Simple: Begin with easy, manageable tasks that showcase the immediate benefits of using AI tools.
Facilitate Reflection: Encourage users to reflect on their interactions with AI, helping them to understand and extend their learnings.
Ease of Use: Make the integration of AI tools into daily workflows as seamless as possible to encourage widespread adoption.
Promote Success Stories: Share examples of successful AI usage within the company to motivate others to adopt and explore the tools.
Conclusion
Generative AI holds immense potential to transform how we work and think. However, its adoption depends significantly on how we introduce and integrate it into our lives and workplaces. By understanding and addressing the natural hesitations and learning curves, we can help others harness the power of AI more effectively. As with any new technology, the journey from skepticism to mastery is gradual but incredibly rewarding.