Balancing Innovation and Learning Experience

Table of Contents

• • Introduction
  • AI Innovation in L&D is inevitable, it’s how we approach AI that makes the difference
  • Practical takeaways for balancing innovation and learning experience

Introduction

Having been at Learning Technologies recently, it’s clear that not everyone feels the same way about AI in L&D. In the well-considered and balanced report AI in L&D: The State of Play by Donald H. Taylor and Egle Vinauskaite, the split of sentiment towards AI in L&D is all the more evident. Some people are ‘all in’ on AI, while others see it as a ‘no go’ – here’s why a focus on balancing innovation and learning experience could be the way forward. 

AI Innovation in L&D is inevitable, it’s how we approach AI that makes the difference

Both Taylor and Vinauskaite highlight the inevitable fact that “AI will have a deep lasting effect on workplace L&D”, which highlights the need for organizations to be curious about AI. But here, it’s the approach that is key. 

An overriding sentiment from the Learning Technologies exhibition and conference was a feeling that learning vendors speak about AI for AI’s sake, rather than seeing it as a tool to solve challenges L&D faces today, and will face tomorrow. 

In the same vein, this report highlights the importance of leading with your challenges and how AI might be part of the solution, rather than the other way around.

“AI has its purpose but emphasis should be on how it can support improving performance rather than where we can make it fit” – page 19, AI in L&D: The State of Play

Putting Learning Experience in the Center

The report underscores the transformative impact of AI in L&D, emphasizing efficiency gains, personalized learning experiences, and data-driven insights as key advantages. It acknowledges the complexities and concerns associated with AI implementation, such as cost, data privacy, bias, and the risk of diminishing the human touch in learning interactions. 

These challenges underscore the importance of adopting a thoughtful and strategic approach to AI integration in skills development. Using frameworks such as Hive Learning’s AHAH principle as a guiding light, organizations can be sure that they are using AI in a way that complements and amplifies human capabilities, bolstering the learning experience, rather than both replacing humans and diminishing learning experiences.

AHAH: AI Assisted, Human Led, AI Resourced, Human Checked

Practical takeaways for balancing innovation and learning experience

Perhaps the largest challenge when it comes to AI in L&D is knowing where to start. Both Taylor and Vinauskaite share practical advice on how to effectively navigate AI in L&D:

Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in AI by connecting with vendors, attending webinars, and following thought leaders in the field.

Seek Foundational Understanding: Invest time in gaining a foundational understanding of AI to effectively communicate about it and explore its possibilities.

Address Concerns: Acknowledge and address concerns raised about AI in L&D, ensuring that both the benefits and limitations are understood by all.

Seek out a partner, not a vendor: Explore practical applications of AI in L&D with an external learning technology organization to enhance personalized learning experiences.