AI in Adult Learning: Rethinking the First Steps — From Classroom to Onboarding

(Part 1 of Our AI + Onboarding Series) 

How we welcome new hires or learners sets the tone for everything that follows. But in both the workplace and the classroom, onboarding is too often reduced to a rushed orientation or a checklist of admin tasks. For those working in higher education, HR, or L&D, this is a missed opportunity to truly engage from day one.

In this first article of our AI + Onboarding Series, we’re excited to feature guest insights from Amy Tan, an educator at Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Business with over two decades of global experience in business, strategic marketing, and employee engagement. Previously trained as a master facilitator for DHL Express’ award-winning global onboarding programmes, Amy now brings her industry insight into the classroom — offering a unique lens on how AI can transform both learning and onboarding experiences.

Here, Amy shares how her experience using an AI assistant in an adult learning course sparked a deeper realisation: AI isn’t just for teaching — it can reshape how we onboard learners and employees alike. 

AI in Adult Learning: Beyond the Classroom

By Amy Tan

1. A Surprising Realisation

When I initially explored the potential of AI in personalised learning, I assumed it would be confined to providing standard responses for guiding polytechnic students. However, my exploration of AI’s capabilities unveiled its extensive potential beyond just young learners. After running a pilot test with adult learners for one semester, I discovered that AI’s impact in adult learning is more complex and influenced by factors like specific content, the type of AI tool, and its integration into the learning process. One remarkable aspect was AI’s exceptional performance in fostering immediate learner engagement. It was fascinating to see how quickly and effectively AI could capture and maintain the attention of adult learners, making the learning experience more dynamic and interactive.

2. In the Classroom – Rolling Out AI for a ‘Leading’ Course

In a recent Business Management class on ‘Leading’ for adult learners, I piloted an innovative AI chatbot to enhance the ‘Lead and Succeed’ program. The package included business scenarios requiring guided responses to leadership skills like motivating team members, resolving conflicts, and managing diversity. The session began with the tutor introducing the AI Coach Amos. Students, acting as newly-promoted team leaders, used Amos to guide and motivate their virtual teams, practicing responses that demonstrated empathy, decisiveness, and clarity.

For a pilot run, learners were pleasantly surprised by Amos’ ability to offer insightful and immediate responses, which significantly boosted their engagement. Many were amazed at how the Amos could tailor its advice to their specific queries, making the learning process more dynamic and interactive. Overall, the integration of AI Coach Amos enriched the educational experience, making the complex topic of effective leading skills more accessible and engaging for everyone involved.

3. From Classroom to Workplace – What About Onboarding?

One of my previous assignments as a foundation trainer for an award-winning global employee engagement program underscored the importance of engaging every employee from the outset, regardless of their role or location. It emphasised the critical need to ensure every employee feels valued and invested in from day one.

Somewhere along the line, I embraced the idea of using AI for HR onboarding, recognising its potential to guide new employees right from day one. While setting up AI Coach Amos, it struck me — onboarding in companies is remarkably akin to starting a new class. Just like new students, new employees face the challenge of absorbing a wealth of information, asking the right questions, and overcoming initial anxieties.

4. Why This Matters

HR onboarding is often rushed or resource-intensive, but AI can transform this process by ensuring consistency and saving valuable time for HR L&D teams. More than just an orientation, AI-managed HR onboarding helps new employees understand their role, integrate with their team, and get acquainted with the company’s culture, values, and objectives. The AI Onboarding Assistant becomes a companion buddy for a specific period, providing personalised guidance, answering questions in real-time, and offering support tailored to individual needs — making the transition smoother and more engaging for new employees. Plus, it can be scaled across different roles, ensuring a consistent and engaging onboarding experience for everyone.

5. What’s Next – Measuring the Impact

The AI Coach Amos for my ‘Leading’ class is going live in the coming fortnight. I’ll be tracking engagement and learning outcomes to better understand the real impact. It’s early days, but I’m excited to see how this approach changes the way adult learners interact with content. Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing the results soon.

This post marks the beginning of our AI + Onboarding Series, where we explore how AI can reshape the learning journey from day one — whether in classrooms, training programmes, or the workplace.

🎥 Next up: Join us live for an insightful session with Amy and Noodle Factory co-founder Jim Wagstaff, where they’ll dive deeper into how AI is transforming onboarding into a more personalised, scalable, and human experience.

🗓️ Reserve your spot now → Why Most Onboarding Fails — and How to Fix It with AI (Live Premiere) 

If you’re in education, HR, or L&D and looking for practical, scalable ways to improve onboarding — you won’t want to miss it.