INFLUENCE OF AI-SUPPORTED VOCATIONAL TRAINING ON SKILLS ACQUISITION OF ADULTS IN INFORMAL ADULT EDUCATION CENTERS FOR INCOME GENERATION IN COMMUNITIES IN RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

This study examines the influence of artificial intelligence (AI)-supported vocational training on skills acquisition of adults in informal adult education centers for income generation in communities in Rivers State. The study highlights how AI-supported vocational training improves practical competencies, digital skills, and entrepreneurial capacity among adult learners in informal education settings.  Three research questions were used to guide this study. The population of the study was 600 consisting of  adults in informal education centers for income generation, a sample size of 510 was drawn from the population. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire and the collected data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The face and content validation of the instrument was determined by the two experts in Adult education and measurement and evaluation. Cronbach Alpha method was used for the reliability coefficient of 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, and 0.86. The findings suggest that AI-supported training addresses the limitations of traditional teaching methods in informal adult education centers, enabling learners to acquire competencies more efficiently and effectively, the findings also suggest that integrating AI in informal education not only enhances technical skills but also promotes entrepreneurial mindsets that facilitate self-employment and income diversification. The study recommends the Integration of AI-Supported Vocational Training into Informal Adult Education Programs Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community development partners should formally integrate AI-supported vocational training into the curriculum of informal adult education centers.