Introduction
In today’s rapidly changing world, lifelong learning has become essential for personal and professional growth. The traditional model of education, with a fixed period of formal education followed by a career, is no longer sufficient. Lifelong learning, which spans all stages of life, is crucial for adapting to the evolving demands of the modern world. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and promotes inclusive quality education through Sustainable Development Goal 4 (UNESCO, 2017). The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) emphasizes the need for a systematic vision of lifelong learning that prioritizes the learner’s needs and fosters self-directed learning (OECD, 2009). As the concept of a single job for life evolves, workers must continuously develop new skills through lifelong learning (Organización Internacional del Trabajo, 2020). In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has the potential to revolutionize personalized learning experiences and enhance lifelong learning opportunities.
Literature Review
Lifelong Learning: Lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional development. It enables individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills, contribute to social cohesion, and adapt to the changing demands of the labor market (Merriam et al., 2007). The European Area of Lifelong Learning defines lifelong learning as any learning activity undertaken throughout life to improve knowledge, skills, and competences (European Area of Lifelong Learning, 2021). Adult education, especially in the context of lifelong learning, has become increasingly important in today’s world.
Artificial Intelligence: AI plays a crucial role in supporting lifelong learning by providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences. AI systems can enhance learning efficiency, automate knowledge construction, and support ongoing initiatives to promote lifelong learning (Ally and Perris, 2022). The application of AI in education can transform learning into a continuous, lifelong process (Tang and Deng, 2022). AI solutions, such as chatbots and generative language models, offer personalized and adaptive learning experiences that cater to individual needs (Osamor et al., 2023).
Personalized Learning: Personalized learning has become a key approach in contemporary education, offering customized solutions to students based on their specific needs and preferences (Peters and Araya, 2011). Personalization of learning can improve academic performance, enhance digital skills, and promote individualized learning experiences (Yang and Wen, 2023). However, challenges such as social skills development and community learning environments need to be addressed to ensure effective personalized learning experiences (Pence, 2020).
Method
A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to analyze 78 articles published between 2019 and 2024 in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The research questions focused on the geographical distribution of authors, publication trends, keyword analysis, research methods, educational levels, research environments, and AI-mediated solutions for personalized learning.
Results
The analysis revealed a concentration of research in China, with a significant number of publications in Q1 and Q2 level journals. Keyword analysis highlighted the importance of learning analytics, deep learning algorithms, and AI-mediated solutions for personalized learning. Research methods were predominantly quantitative, with a focus on experimental research design. The development of AI-mediated solutions for personalized learning was primarily focused on higher education, with a growing interest in informal education and work contexts.
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of AI in enhancing personalized learning experiences and promoting lifelong learning. The findings provide insights into research trends, areas of opportunity, and ethical considerations for the future development of AI-mediated solutions for personalized learning. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of personalized learning solutions and addressing the ethical implications of AI in education to ensure equitable access and promote lifelong learning opportunities.