When Generative AI Meets Workplace Learning: Creating A Realistic & Motivating Learning Experience With A Generative PCA

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of a generative pedagogical conversational agent (GenPCA) to enhance workplace learning by providing a realistic, motivating, and cost-effective training experience, combining benefits of e-learning and human coaching.

Contribution

It introduces a novel GenPCA for organizational communication training and evaluates its positive impact on employee perceptions and self-determined learning.

Findings

Employees perceived the GenPCA positively

The GenPCA improved self-determined learning

Potential for integrating GenPCA in workplace training

Abstract

Workplace learning is used to train employees systematically, e.g., via e-learning or in 1:1 training. However, this is often deemed ineffective and costly. Whereas pure e-learning lacks the possibility of conversational exercise and personal contact, 1:1 training with human instructors involves a high level of personnel and organizational costs. Hence, pedagogical conversational agents (PCAs), based on generative AI, seem to compensate for the disadvantages of both forms. Following Action Design Research, this paper describes an organizational communication training with a Generative PCA (GenPCA). The evaluation shows promising results: the agent was perceived positively among employees and contributed to an improvement in self-determined learning. However, the integration of such agent comes not without limitations. We conclude with suggestions concerning the didactical methods, which are supported by a GenPCA, and possible improvements of such an agent for workplace learning.