Workers Turn to AI for On-the-Job Learning Despite Accuracy Concerns, Survey Finds

Employees are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their on-the-job learning, even as concerns about accuracy persist. A new report, based on a survey conducted by Fractl on behalf of the American College of Education (ACE), highlights how workers are leveraging AI to acquire new skills and solve problems.

The survey included responses from over 1,000 U.S. workers who regularly use AI tools as part of their daily responsibilities.

AI as a Learning Tool: Key Findings

• 63% of workers reported using AI to learn skills that were not formally covered in employer-provided training.
• 65% of workers expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated information.
• 23% of workers named AI as their first choice when seeking to learn something new.

Why Workers Prefer AI for Learning

Speed and discretion are major factors driving AI adoption for learning:

• 46% of workers use AI to find answers because it is faster than seeking help from colleagues or supervisors.
• 29% of workers use AI to learn new skills without revealing gaps in their knowledge.
• 32% of managers admitted to learning on the sly, avoiding admission of unfamiliarity with certain topics.

Overall, 69% of workers reported that AI improved their productivity, while 55% said it boosted their job confidence.

Limitations and Future Learning Trends

While AI serves as a valuable tool, workers acknowledge its limitations:

• Only 7% of workers believe AI alone is sufficient for learning new skills.
• 39% of workers view AI training as a starting point for further education.
• 48% of workers enrolled in formal training after AI introduced them to topics they wanted to explore deeper.
• 80% of workers continue learning in some capacity after first using AI to grasp a concept.

Despite these concerns, the report suggests that AI is currently a jumping-off point for the majority of workers seeking to expand their skill sets.