E213 ‘Reimagining Professional Learning with AI in Education’ with ExamFly’s Deirdre Lyons

Today’s guest is Deirdre Lyons, CEO at Examfly. With a staggering 50% failure rate in some professional exams, the need for an effective, enjoyable studying experience is more critical than ever. This is precisely the challenge Deirdre Lyons is tackling with her pioneering startup, Examfly. In this episode, Deirdre explores her journey, the impact of technology and the role of AI in shaping the future of education.

Deirdre’s background is deeply rooted in professional services. Having extensively engaged with exams and teaching roles in law and tax, she identified significant gaps in traditional learning models. Despite the convenience of digital delivery, these 18th-century models – replete with lectures and books – offered little in terms of enhancing learning enjoyment or effectiveness. As Deirdre notes, the transition to digital platforms only slightly altered delivery, not the core learning experience. This realisation galvanised her to explore new methods of engaging learners.

Deirdre’s conceptualisation of Examfly was fuelled both by her professional experiences and her constant interactions with business owners and startup ecosystems. She recognised a gap in her field – acquiring theoretical knowledge versus applying it practically. This gap drove her to create a learning platform that integrates technological advancements with proven educational techniques to bolster professional growth.

With the backing of the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers program, Deirdre committed to validating her hypothesis about learning deficiencies and developing a viable solution. Her determination and strategic approach were instrumental in getting Examfly off the ground.

A key innovation Examfly brought was the use of animated explainer videos, which Deirdre discovered by perusing educational YouTube content. Animation, although not groundbreaking in the tech sense, presented educational material – such as accounting and tax concepts – in visually engaging ways. This approach increased learning efficiency by visually representing complex ideas like asset ownership and financial transactions.

Furthermore, Examfly introduced interactive testing tools and gamified learning experiences to make the application of knowledge more intuitive and enjoyable. This multifaceted approach to learning is now being further enhanced by AI-driven personalised learning paths.

Deirdre also discusses how AI’s potential in education lies in enhancing efficiency and personalisation. By using AI to create high-quality learning interactions at scale, Examfly is breaking the barriers of traditional content delivery. AI allows for easier updates and localisations, mimicking software scalability, which is critical in large educational markets.

Moreover, AI facilitates more personalised learning journeys, adjusting content delivery based on individual learner progress. While the implementation is complex, Examfly leverages AI to ensure learners receive the right material at the optimal time, tailoring education to fit unique individual needs.

Targeting large enterprise customers, especially within the Big Four accounting firms, allowed Examfly to establish a robust foothold early. Deirdre strategically aligned the platform’s offerings with these organsaations’ needs – fast-tracking skill acquisition and preparing for AI-driven future workforce changes. The firm’s strategy has been validated through successful fundraising efforts, culminating in €2.1 million.

Navigating the investment landscape formed a crucial learning curve for Deirdre, further solidifying Examfly’s strategic roadmap. With her sights set on international expansion, particularly in North America, she emphasises learning market-specific nuances while maintaining the core offering that resonates back home.

In conclusion, Deirdre Lyons’ journey with Examfly exemplifies how innovation, underpinned by technology, can transform education. By championing a tech-first approach in learning and leveraging AI effectively, Examfly is paving the way for a more engaging and practical learning experience.