The last time I checked my Fitbit this morning, the time read 4:38 a.m.

I didn't want to be awake. Really, I didn't.

But my mind was racing.

Like Brad Pitt in that new movie about Formula 1. Doesn't he seem a bit old to be behind the wheel of a high-powered racing car?

Sorry, I digress.

That's what a lack of sleep will do to you.

The fact that I was awake at 4:38 a.m. is not important.

What is important is what I was thinking about.

And what I was thinking about was the future of online education programs (like courses and memberships).

Now, I'll share my thoughts as succinctly as possible.

This is the first time I've tried to explain this, so it's not yet polished to a high sheen. But give me some time, and it will be.

I've seen AI used to create a lot of garbage.

Garbage ideas. Garbage writing. Garbage images.

It's why I didn't use it for a long time. I could not extract the value amid all the heaping piles of trash.

But now, I've experienced a new way of collaborating with AI.

Instead of thinking about it like a know-it-all assistant who drops what they're doing and follows your commands, think about it like this...

AI can be used for good, so long as you treat it like a new hire.

You have to train it before it becomes truly useful.

If AI doesn't understand you, your business, and your industry, it won't generate high-quality results.

But when you've personally trained it to think, sound, and respond the way you do, THEN it will do some amazing things.

Specifically, you can train an AI with your knowledge and existing course content.

Then, you can provide your students with access to this AI assistant.

Now, you're no longer the only source of support your students can turn to. If they're stuck on some part of your program, they can use the assistant to get unblocked.

And the AI assistant won't spew garbage, because you've trained it. It knows what you know.

It can even learn your voice, and respond as you would.

If this sounds like AI taking over your job, it kinda is. But in a good way.

Rather than AI wresting away your work without your consent, you're in the driver's seat (we're back to driving, apparently).

Setting up AI assistants to help your students achieve their goals frees up your time to provide more 1:1 support.

Human-to-human interactions.

Something AI will never replace.

If I may, I'd like to make a prediction. I believe that soon AI assistants will become a core component of all online training programs.

They make the student experience So. Much. Better.

I'll touch on that more in my next email.

Talk soon,

Chris Roberts