The Rise of Edutainment: How Companies Are Blending Fun and Learning to Train AI-Powered Workforces

Advanced technologies such as AI are changing the way businesses operate and humans interact. One notable area that has been redefined is training. Namely, traditional training methods simply cannot cope with the pace of the change.

That’s why businesses are increasingly turning to edutainment (a blend of education and entertainment) to train their employees in areas such as AI, machine learning, and data science. Edutainment incorporates game mechanics, interactive storytelling, and immersive experiences to create unique learning experiences. Its chief benefit is that learners can master complex concepts while having fun.

In other words, edutainment is turning corporate training into an experience that doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s quickly becoming the norm for everything from the AI basics to the intricacies of emotional AI.

A Novel Approach to Learning

E-learning modules, workshops, and seminars have been a standard for many years. However, the rapid evolution of AI necessitates faster and more adaptable learning methodologies in order for employees to be able to keep up without being swept away by the sheer volume of information.

Consider topics like deep learning and natural language processing. These are rather technical and, as such, difficult to grasp for people with different expertise. Conveying such intricate knowledge through traditional training methods is almost impossible. That’s where using edutainment comes in.

Edutainment uses the traditional training format and complements it with interactive elements designed to captivate the audience’s attention. Gamification and interactive storytelling are prime examples.

Simply put, instead of reading through slides or listening to lectures, employees can engage with content that challenges them, provides immediate feedback, and rewards progress. Many companies have begun to use integrators to train their workforce, combining various forms of interactive media (virtual reality, simulation, and online platforms) to make the learning process more dynamic.

Turning Training Into a Game

SAP, a leading enterprise software company, has developed an AI-powered training system that uses emotional AI to improve employee communication and decision-making. The business has partnered with SumTotal Systems to integrate AI with its training systems.

As a result, its training programs have turned into role-playing scenarios where employees practice problem-solving and conflict resolution in realistic scenarios and the system provides real-time emotional feedback on their performance.

The platform analyzes both the technical execution and the emotional aspects of communication. E.g., it can assess whether an employee responded empathetically to a simulated customer.

“The combination of emotional AI and gamification in our training has created more meaningful interactions between employees,” says Greg McStravick, Senior Vice President of SAP’s Global Talent Development. “It’s not just about teaching technical skills, it’s about developing the emotional intelligence to collaborate effectively in a digital-first world.”

The Emotional Side of AI Training

This example brings us to a powerful side of AI yet to be perfected: emotional AI. The term is taken to refer to AI that can understand and respond to human emotions. Emotional intelligence in machines is being advertised as a game-changer since it boasts of being able to generate more nuanced and human-like interactions.

A notable example comes from Unilever, which has made significant strides in this context. The company uses Unilever’s Virtual Reality Learning Program that integrates AI into leadership development and customer interactions.  In addition, Unilever uses emotional AI to help their customer service teams better understand consumer behavior by analyzing emotional responses during interactions.

According to Sarah Jones, Unilever’s Global Head of Talent Development, “The future of work lies in combining emotional intelligence with technological skills. Our employees are learning to engage with AI in ways that make them more empathetic and effective in their roles, and we’re seeing measurable improvements in both employee satisfaction and customer loyalty.”

Microsoft is another example of a company relying on edutainment to develop AI skills in its workforce. The company’s Microsoft Learn platform combines interactive learning with AI-driven feedback loops to help employees gain skills in cloud computing, data science, and AI. The platform is gamified and encourages employees to unlock achievements and badges as they master new skills.

One notable feature of Microsoft’s approach is its use of emotional AI to personalize the learning experience. By monitoring employee responses to training modules, the system adjusts content to keep learners engaged and motivated.

Says Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft: “We are focusing on learning that’s deeply personal. The role of emotional AI is key — ensuring that our employees are engaged and emotionally invested in their learning journey makes all the difference in retention and success.”

Making Feedback More Meaningful

Another fascinating development in AI-powered training is the use of AI for performance reviews. Traditionally, performance reviews are a tedious process. However, AI is providing more objective, data-driven feedback. Companies are increasingly using AI to assess an employee’s strengths and areas for improvement based on their work habits, outputs, and interactions.

IBM is an illustrative example. The business deploys AI for performance reviews and edutainment for employee training. The company has integrated gamified learning platforms (including IBM’s AI Skills Academy) to help employees understand complex AI concepts. Employees use these tools to gain hands-on experience in AI development, machine learning, and cognitive technologies. IBM also leverages Watson to provide personalized learning paths for employees, adapting the curriculum based on individual progress.

“At IBM, we believe that learning should be a continuous and adaptive process,” says Dr. Arvind Krishna, IBM’s Chairman and CEO. “AI is no longer just a technology for our customers; it’s also integral to how we train and develop our own employees. With the help of AI and edutainment, we’re fostering a workforce that is prepared for the future.”

The Future of Edutainment in AI Training

The rise of edutainment in corporate training is just the beginning. As AI continues to advance, so will the need for new, dynamic ways of teaching. As a result, edutainment methods like gamification, interactive storytelling, and emotional AI simulations are likely to become increasingly sophisticated.

Businesses will keep exploring the potential of using integrators to train their workforce, combining various training tools and techniques into a cohesive learning experience.

“Edutainment makes learning less intimidating and more accessible,” said Charles Zhang, an AI development consultant. “It’s about creating an experience that inspires curiosity and encourages exploration, and that’s exactly what AI-driven training is doing for companies around the world.”