Q1: From your professional perspective, how has your experience in healthcare education inspired or influenced the way you leverage technology to design impactful learning experiences?
I currently serve as the Chief Operations Officer at AceLern, a subsidiary of HCI Australia that operates at the intersection of education, technology, and business—with a strong focus on the healthcare sector. My journey in this field began when I joined a talented team at HCI Australia, tasked with transforming the digital learning experience in the wake of COVID-19. Our goal was to design impactful, learner-centred education for nursing and allied health students. Over the years, I’ve collaborated closely with instructional designers and technologists to integrate AI, adaptive learning systems, and LMS platforms like Canvas into our healthcare programs. What drives me is the belief that technology should not merely digitise learning— it should humanise it, making healthcare education more accessible, personalized, and truly effective for every learner.
Q2: From your perspective as Chief Operations Officer in program management, how do you envision AI and emerging learning technologies transforming the future of healthcare education, particularly in addressing the evolving needs of ageing populations?
AI and learning technologies are set to revolutionise healthcare education, especially as we prepare to serve an ageing global population. For older adults, the future isn’t just about access to information—it’s about tailored, timely, and supportive learning. Moreover, artificial intelligence (i.e., AI-assisted technologies) has been proven to deliver personalised healthcare content, simulate real-life caregiving scenarios, and even remind learners to engage in wellness routines. As COO, I see our role as making sure these technologies are implemented ethically, inclusively, and with empathy—so they empower both caregivers and older adults themselves.
Q3: Given the digital literacy challenges faced by many older adults, how do you see AI-powered learning platforms enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare education for this demographic?
Artificial intelligence (i.e., AI-assisted technologies) can bridge the digital literacy gap by meeting learners where they are. With voice assistants, intuitive interfaces, and real-time feedback, AI platforms can offer step-by-step guidance, respond to natural language queries, and even adjust content based on confusion or hesitation detected during learning. For instance, imagine an AI companion that patiently explains a health concept, checks for understanding, and remembers user preferences (i.e., real-time notifications for chronic disease management, monitors medications and dosage adjustments) —all without overwhelming the learner. That’s the kind of accessibility we should aim for.
Q4: AI-driven adaptive learning has revolutionised education. How can this technology be specifically tailored to support older adults and caregivers in staying up-to-date with the latest healthcare advancements?
AI-driven adaptive learning systems can personalize content based on learning pace, cognitive load, and even prior knowledge. For older adults and caregivers, this means no more “one-size-fits-all” training. Instead, AI can highlight relevant modules, like updates in dementia care or fall prevention, and adjust the complexity based on the user’s comfort level. Caregivers pressed for time can get micro- learning bursts, while curious retirees can explore deeper dives, all within the same platform.
Q5: Given your expertise in Canvas Learning Management System and AI-integrated solutions, how can online platforms be designed to improve digital inclusion for older learners in healthcare education?
The key lies in human-centred design. Canvas, when integrated with AI tools, can offer features like voice navigation, screen-reading capabilities, and simplified dashboards tailored to older learners. We can also embed AI chatbots that guide users in real-time, clarify instructions, and offer encouragement. More importantly, we must co-design these platforms with older adults, ensuring that we’re solving the right problems in the right ways.
Q6: As cognitive decline becomes more common with age, how can AI-powered learning tools support cognitive training and promote lifelong learning for the elderly?
Absolutely. AI-powered cognitive training apps can track performance, detect early signs of decline, and adapt exercises to stimulate memory, reasoning, and attention. These tools go beyond static puzzles—they can simulate real-world tasks like medication management or navigating a health portal. When integrated into health education, such tools support not just learning, but healthy ageing.
Q7: Given the challenge of social isolation among ageing populations, how can AI-powered eLearning platforms foster meaningful social connections and encourage peer interaction for older adults?
Learning can be a powerful social experience. AI can facilitate virtual study groups, connect learners with shared interests, or suggest community discussions based on users’ activity. Even better, AI can monitor signs of disengagement and gently prompt learners to re-engage through peer interactions, encouraging social wellness alongside educational progress.
Q8: With your experience in instructional design, what best practices should be followed when developing AI-driven health education content for an ageing audience?
Keep it simple and supportive, with a story-driven approach. Use simple language, big fonts, and visual cues. Create content in short, digestible chunks, with frequent check-ins and encouragement. Most importantly, design with, rather than for, older adults. Their feedback is critical to ensuring that AI tools feel like allies rather than obstacles.
Q9: Given the unique needs of older adults, how can AI-powered educational tools create personalised healthcare learning experiences to support senior learners better?
AI can learn from user behaviour—what they revisit, how long they spend on a topic, what they skip—and adjust accordingly. This means more relevant content, less repetition, and increased confidence for seniors. For example, someone recently diagnosed with diabetes might get a learning path with basic nutrition, medication tips, and interactive meal-planning tools tailored to their lifestyle and pace.
Q10: Given the challenges posed by the digital divide, what strategies can be implemented to enhance digital literacy among older adults through AI-driven learning solutions?
We need blended solutions: combine AI with human support. Offer AI-guided tutorials alongside phone support, peer mentors, or family engagement. Build learning into devices they already use—like smart TVs or tablets—with AI interfaces that are welcoming and voice-driven. Trust grows when technology feels familiar and non- judgmental.
Q11: Ethical concerns such as accessibility, privacy, and inclusivity arise with AI in education. How can AI-powered health education platforms ensure ethical and equitable access for seniors?
Transparency, consent, and empathy must guide us. AI platforms should clearly explain what data is collected and why. Privacy settings should be easy to control. Most importantly, inclusivity must be built in—from language support to cultural relevance to disability access. Seniors shouldn’t feel like passive users; they should feel respected and empowered.
Q12: What is your key message to healthcare educators and policymakers about leveraging AI and learning technologies to support ageing populations in the digital era?
Technology should never replace the human touch—it should enhance it. If used with care, AI can make healthcare education more humane, personalised, and inclusive for our ageing populations. To educators and policymakers: design with empathy, prioritise accessibility, and recognise that older adults are not a challenge to solve, but a community to uplift and learn from.