The future of training is here – and it's seriously exciting, especially as it relates to AI in learning and development. Workplace learning is no longer about boring lectures and dusty manuals. And creating or updating learning content no longer means facing the possibility of spending endless amounts of valuable time and intense mental labor brainstorming, drafting, and outlining. Instead, professionals using AI tools can spend their energy on big-picture tasks that improve productivity and streamline onboarding, upskilling, and compliance training.
AI as a tool to optimize training outcomes has made it indispensable for organizations looking to foster continuous learning that keeps team members engaged, motivated, and focused on their career goals.
The evolution of course creation with AI
If you've been in the world of L&D for a while, you probably remember when training had more to do with printed materials and face-to-face interactions than self-led modules and learner dashboards. While those methods had their strengths, they were also incredibly limited by physical constraints and scheduling difficulties. As the digital age unfolded, so did the possibilities for the world of training and education. For the first time, learners could access courses from anywhere, asynchronously. Maisie from Texas, USA, could take a course on the history of silk with Hana from Canterbury, New Zealand!
However, there was still much left to be desired. Courses were often non-engaging, rigid, text-heavy, and lacked flexibility. Plus, course creation was still a slow, tedious process.
As AI in learning and development becomes more mainstream, it's been a game-changer for everyone in the industry. L&D professionals can now focus on learning strategy and not be bogged down by the minutiae of course creation. Obviously, the core principles of developing a training course haven't changed, but now you have tools that can help you refine and speed up the process.
3 ways AI can improve your training program
It's easy to see AI as some overhyped shiny toy that complicates L&D processes and is just another tool to learn how to use. But here are a few tangible ways AI can improve your training program.
1. Speeds up content creation
AI-driven content creation is highly scalable, a huge advantage for organizations with large and geographically dispersed workforces. AI can whip up content on demand with a few short prompts.
For instance, are there new company safety protocols your team members need to be aware of? Share updated and localized content without missing a beat, catering to global teams and ensuring consistency across the organization from just a few well-designed prompts. Employees can always have access to the latest information and stay compliant and informed in their roles, no matter where they are.2. Personalizes the learner experience
Platforms that leverage AI-driven features such as course recommendations, offer tailored learning paths based on individual needs and preferences. By analyzing learner activity, goals, and achievements, AI models can present just-in-time content that keeps individuals engaged and eager to learn.
This means they can use AI to guide learners towards the most impactful training opportunities without the need for constant manual intervention.3. Promotes language accessibility
AI is also revolutionizing language accessibility in training programs, making it easier for professionals to provide inclusive and effective training to a diverse workforce. Being able to deliver training materials in multiple languages is relevant not only for massive corporations but also for small businesses that wouldn't otherwise have the resources to provide training material for valuable employees who would grasp learning objectives quicker in another language. These tools use advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand linguistic context and nuances, which avoid the infamous problem of literal but not contextually accurate translation. This automation does wonders for efficiency and streamlined training in large organizations and opens up a wide range of low-cost possibilities for small and medium businesses.
AI in learning and development at Hampton Roads Transit
One shining example of AI application in a learning and development program comes from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), a public transportation service in Virginia, United States. The following testimonial highlights how AI tools can be used to support existing systems and processes. The HR Manager of Workforce Training and Development at HRT particularly appreciated GoSkills' AI course-building assistant, Genie. Before GoSkills, drafting, creating, refining, and delivering a course usually took three months.
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Discover GenieThe future of AI in learning and development
AI is already redefining how training programs are designed, delivered, and managed. As algorithms get more sophisticated, they will become even more skilled at analyzing individual learner data to tailor training content to each employee's specific needs and preferences. This level of personalization ensures that specific skill gaps are targeted and training becomes more proactive than reactive, eventually ditching the one-size-fits-all approach to a more nuanced, data-driven strategy.
Another exciting development is AI-driven analytics and predictive insights. AI can sift through vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends, offering insights that can help improve training outcomes. This capability allows learning administrators to spot skill gaps, track the ROI of their training programs, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Further down the cyber horizon, experts see the convergence of AI with other emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which will further revolutionize L&D. IoT devices can offer real-time data on learner interactions and environments. This data can be used to create a holistic view of the learning ecosystem, enabling more effective and personalized training interventions. As these technologies become more prevalent, fields centered on training and continuous learning will increasingly require professionals to develop new skills and competencies.
Want to see how AI can transform your training program? Check out how Genie can help you stay ahead of the course creation curve.
