By 2027 nearly 44 percent of workers’ skills are expected to be disrupted, perhaps driving a surge in AI-powered tutors and courses as a go-to solution for upskilling? This of course depends on how AI advances.
While the AI development curve promises accessibility and efficiency, there are also concerns such as bias in AI training, lack of human oversight, and the risk of over-reliance on automation. Each of these could create more problems than they solve.
AI bias refers to biased results due to human biases that skew original training data or AI algorithms.
The company AIPRM has picked over some of the warning signs that the promises outlined by AI courses provide, selecting those that are particularly misleading. Digital Journal reviews the findings.
Fake Certificates & Degrees
Some AI courses misleadingly advertise “official” degrees or certifications that are not recognised by employers or academic institutions. These programs may use flashy titles to appear legitimate but ultimately fail to provide the credentials that will help you advance in your career. The lack of affiliation with reputable universities, well-known platforms like Coursera or edX, or established tech companies should raise significant concerns. Without these endorsements, the value of the certification is often non-existent, and it won’t carry weight in the job market or academic circles.
Be cautious if the course doesn’t have ties to accredited organisations or recognised industry leaders, as this could indicate a lack of credibility or industry recognition.
Premium Prices for Outdated or Shallow Content
Some platforms charge large fees for AI courses that provide outdated, low-quality, or surface-level information. These courses may claim to offer expert-level training but often lack depth and fail to equip students with real-world, applicable skills. You may find similar content for free or at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.
AI-Generated or Repackaged Content
Scammers sometimes offer AI courses that are essentially AI-generated or repackaged free content from other sources. These courses often lack the expertise or personal touch from experienced instructors, leaving students with little more than automated, generic lessons. This approach is designed to cut costs but sacrifices educational value.
Fake Job Placement Guarantees
Some AI courses make bold promises about job placements in the AI field upon completion, yet fail to provide actual job opportunities. These courses might lure you in with the promise of guaranteed employment, but in reality, they often do not have connections to real tech companies or clear pathways to secure a job.
Pay-to-Work Schemes
Certain “AI courses” require students to pay for access to job opportunities that turn out to be little more than unpaid internships or fake job offers. The promise of work placement is used as a tactic to collect upfront fees, but the reality is students are left without a meaningful job or career path.
Unrealistic Claims & Hype
Some AI courses make outlandish promises, such as “No coding required” or “Earn six figures in AI in a few months.” While AI is a lucrative field, these exaggerated claims can often be misleading. AI education requires significant learning and hands-on practice, and there are no shortcuts to becoming an expert.
