GALWAY, IRELAND - 2026-07-27
Irish Tech News has featured Alison Founder and CEO, Mike Feerick, in a three-part Future of Learning series examining how artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, and employability are reshaping education and workforce development.
Across the series, Mike explores why structured learning remains essential in an AI-driven world, the overlooked economic impact of free online learning, and why the future of education may lie in building upon existing learning models rather than replacing them. The conversations come at a time when millions of people worldwide are choosing to develop new skills outside traditional education systems as workplaces continue to evolve.
AI Is Changing Learning, Not Replacing It
The first article, The Rise of Employability Platforms: Why AI Isn't Replacing Structured Learning, argues that AI has transformed access to information, but has not removed the need for structured learning.
While AI tools can answer questions instantly, structured learning provides progression, assessment, reflection, and recognised achievement. The article suggests that the next generation of learning platforms will increasingly combine AI, courses, assessments, and career development tools to help people build demonstrable skills and improve employability.
Read the full article: https://irishtechnews.ie/employability-importance-of-structured-learning/
The Hidden Value of Free Learning
The second article, The Hidden Economy of Free Learning, explores the economic contribution created by millions of people who develop new skills through free online education and self-directed learning.
It argues that while governments routinely measure education spending and qualifications, they rarely recognise the wider economic value generated when people independently acquire practical skills throughout their lives. As learning becomes increasingly accessible, the article suggests that lifelong learning should be viewed not only as an educational activity, but also as an investment in productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Read the full article: https://irishtechnews.ie/the-hidden-economy-of-free-learning/
Building on What Already Works
The final article, Why Rebuild What Already Works? The Future of Learning, examines how AI, video platforms, and structured learning each play different roles within modern education.
Rather than viewing new technologies as replacements for existing approaches, the article argues that the strongest learning experiences will combine the strengths of each. AI can accelerate understanding, video can demonstrate concepts, and structured learning can provide the framework, assessment, and progression that help people turn knowledge into capability.
Read the full article: https://irishtechnews.ie/why-rebuild-what-already-works-future-learning/
Learning Is Becoming Essential Infrastructure
Reflecting on the discussions, Mike Feerick says, "Millions are now choosing to learn outside traditional education systems using digital platforms to gain new skills, improve their employment prospects, and adapt to a rapidly changing economy. Yet much of this learning remains invisible in how we think about education policy and workforce development. With the acceleration of AI and technological change, lifelong learning is becoming essential economic infrastructure. The ability of people to continuously acquire, demonstrate and apply new skills will be one of the defining factors of individual opportunity and national competitiveness."
The themes explored throughout the series also reflect Alison's long-standing belief that high-quality education should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. As AI continues to reshape how people learn and work, the conversations highlight the growing importance of helping people build practical skills, demonstrate capability, and continue developing throughout their lives.
The complete Future of Learning series is available on Irish Tech News:
The Rise of Employability Platforms: Why AI Isn't Replacing Structured Learning:
https://irishtechnews.ie/employability-importance-of-structured-learning/The Hidden Economy of Free Learning:
https://irishtechnews.ie/the-hidden-economy-of-free-learning/Why Rebuild What Already Works? The Future of Learning:
https://irishtechnews.ie/why-rebuild-what-already-works-future-learning/
Ends
About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
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