Realise Assist, an innovative tool developed by Realise, is making significant strides in enhancing the learner journaling process for apprentices and diploma students. Launched in November 2023, the tool employs artificial intelligence to analyse journal submissions, focusing on aspects such as structure, relevance, and clarity. By providing instant guidance on potential improvements, it supports trainers and learners alike.

Caroline Williams, project director at Realise, highlighted the challenges learners often face with detailed journaling, particularly those unaccustomed to this practice. “Keeping a detailed journal can be a significant stumbling block for learners embarking on either an apprenticeship or a long diploma – particularly if it’s not something they have done before,” she remarked. Williams noted that Realise Assist has become an invaluable resource for both learners and trainers.

The AI tool offers tailored suggestions, prompting users to expand on practical applications of their experiences or refine their writing. Trainers have the ability to edit or enhance these AI-generated insights before communicating them to learners, ensuring that the human touch remains integral to the feedback process rather than being overshadowed by technology.

Since the introduction of Realise Assist, the frequency of weekly journal entries has soared, rising from 62 to over 1,000. The implementation of this tool has also streamlined trainer workloads by reducing administrative time, thus allowing for increased one-on-one support for learners.

Williams noted the clarity and utility of AI-generated feedback, explaining that it not only recognises the strengths of a journal entry but also encourages deeper reflection. “For example, the AI may acknowledge the overall theme and strengths of the journal entry but suggest the learner reflects in greater depth on how the new knowledge could be implemented into their jobs, bringing theory into practice,” she stated.

According to a recent internal survey, 65 percent of learners reported improvements in the quality of journal feedback, highlighting enhancements such as “clear next steps,” “support for language skills,” and “more detailed and individualized responses.”

Further developments are in the pipeline, as Realise integrates its bespoke curriculums into the system, ensuring that the feedback aligns with specific course requirements. The platform is designed for access via PC, tablet, or smartphone and is secured for use by Realise users.

Williams also indicated ongoing refinement to the language used in the tool. An example of this adaptability is the recent update addressing the frequent use of the term “kids” in early years training, which has been changed to the more appropriate term “children.”

As the platform evolves, Williams expressed optimism about its future. “Prior to Realise Assist, trainers would spend around 20 to 30 minutes with learners on each occasion offering manual feedback on journal entries. Now feedback is provided instantly, clearly and consistently, allowing trainers to be more readily available to learners for one-to-one guidance,” she concluded.

Source: Noah Wire Services