Empowering Online Adult Educators: Integrating Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Instructional Strategies

ABSTRACT This article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can support online adult learning by aligning with Knowles’ four principles of andragogy: involvement, experience, problem‐centeredness, and relevance. Three activities were analyzed using a comparative case study (CCS) method. Each case represents a distinct instructional application of ChatGPT: supporting online discussions, simulating professional interviews, and providing assignment feedback. Findings show that the integration of AI in learning can motivate learner autonomy, provide timely feedback, and encourage reflective and relevant engagement with AI‐generated content. However, challenges such as shallow AI responses, emotional disconnect, and concerns regarding trust and accuracy were observed. The findings also indicate a shift in faculty's role from content deliverer to AI‐assisted learning facilitator, requiring new competencies in AI literacy, the ethical use of AI, and instructional design. This study contributes to the emerging field of AI in Adult Education (AIAD) by highlighting both the practical opportunities and important considerations for adult educators interested in integrating AI in their teaching.

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Publication Details

Journal
New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education
Published
2025-11-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.70011
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.31
Controls
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article

Empowering Online Adult Educators: Integrating Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Instructional Strategies

Steven W. Schmidt, Xi Yu Lin
2 citations
New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
1.31
article

Empowering Online Adult Educators: Integrating Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Instructional Strategies

Steven W. Schmidt, Xi Yu Lin
article en
2 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can support online adult learning by aligning with Knowles’ four principles of andragogy: involvement, experience, problem‐centeredness, and relevance. Three activities were analyzed using a comparative case study (CCS) method. Each case represents a distinct instructional application of ChatGPT: supporting online discussions, simulating professional interviews, and providing assignment feedback. Findings show that the integration of AI in learning can motivate learner autonomy, provide timely feedback, and encourage reflective and relevant engagement with AI‐generated content. However, challenges such as shallow AI responses, emotional disconnect, and concerns regarding trust and accuracy were observed. The findings also indicate a shift in faculty's role from content deliverer to AI‐assisted learning facilitator, requiring new competencies in AI literacy, the ethical use of AI, and instructional design. This study contributes to the emerging field of AI in Adult Education (AIAD) by highlighting both the practical opportunities and important considerations for adult educators interested in integrating AI in their teaching.

New Directions for Adult and Continuing EducationVol. 2025(188)
East Carolina University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
1.31
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