Before I provide the example, let’s be straight up about AI. Relying on AI for everything is problematic because it diminishes human critical thinking, introduces biases, and creates dependency on automation that may not always be reliable. While AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and automating tasks, it lacks intuition, ethical reasoning, and true creativity, which are essential for decision-making in complex, unpredictable situations.
Overuse of AI in critical fields like cybersecurity, healthcare, and governance can lead to blind trust in algorithms, even when they make flawed or biased decisions due to their training data. Additionally, widespread AI automation threatens job markets, widening economic inequality as human roles become obsolete.
The lack of transparency in AI decision-making also raises accountability issues, making it difficult to pinpoint responsibility when errors occur. While AI is a powerful tool, it should complement—not replace—human judgment, ensuring a balance between automation and human oversight. See my article on how useful AI can be in Network Training here.
That said, let’s discuss an example: Cisco’s AI-Driven Network Certification Training
Cisco, (if you didn’t know) is a global leader in networking, and has integrated AI into its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) training programs. AI is used to personalize learning, automate labs, and enhance troubleshooting skills.
How AI is Used in Cisco’s Network Certification Training
- AI-Powered Virtual Labs (Cisco Modeling Labs – CML)
- Cisco uses AI-driven network emulators like Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) to provide hands-on practice.
- AI automates lab setups, allowing learners to configure and troubleshoot network scenarios without needing physical equipment.
- The platform simulates real-world networking problems, helping trainees develop practical troubleshooting skills.
- AI-Based Personalized Learning (Cisco U. & Webex AI)
- Cisco’s AI-powered platform, Cisco U., tailors certification training based on the learner’s skill level.
- AI tracks progress and recommends specific modules based on strengths and weaknesses.
- Webex AI provides real-time virtual assistants that answer questions and guide students through learning materials.
- AI-Driven Troubleshooting Training (DNA Center & ThousandEyes AI)
- AI-based Cisco ThousandEyes and DNA Center help network professionals learn predictive troubleshooting.
- AI analyzes logs, detects anomalies, and suggests solutions, mimicking real-world IT operations.
- Certification candidates use AI-powered dashboards to interpret network alerts and predict failures.
- Automated Assessment & Adaptive Testing (Cisco AI Exam Prep)
- Cisco’s certification exams now include AI-driven adaptive testing, adjusting question difficulty based on the candidate’s performance.
- AI evaluates a student’s troubleshooting steps in simulation exams, providing instant feedback.
- The system highlights knowledge gaps and suggests additional learning materials.
Purported Key Benefits of AI in Cisco’s Certification Training
- Hands-On Practice Without Hardware: AI-driven simulations allow real-world networking practice.
- Efficient Troubleshooting Training: AI-powered diagnostics teach students how to identify and resolve network issues.
- Personalized Learning Paths: AI adapts to each learner’s progress, offering tailored training experiences.
- Real-Time Feedback & Exam Readiness: AI provides instant performance insights, helping candidates prepare more effectively.
I have not participated (yet) in this training model. But I do have questions:
- What does the interactive virtual assistant do when it does not know an answer? We have all delt with virtual assistants in recent times, and usually they do not know when to say I don’t know, let me get someone to help, or there is no one to help.
- If tests are customized to learners (adaptive testing), did we pass the same test? Perhaps they mean quizzes along the way to a fixed certification test that is standard to everyone.
- What if I use a troubleshooting procedure that is not normal, but gets to the answer – does the SIM freak out?
- Is the setup of labs really AI, or is it just a really good script?
If any of my readers have taken this or any other AI-based training, let me know your experiences.
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