The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is transforming how we work, with 75% of global knowledge workers now using it according to a Microsoft and LinkedIn report on the state of AI at work. Employees are finding relief from the overwhelming volume of tasks, with AI saving time, boosting creativity and allowing them to focus on higher-value work.
This shift is so profound that leaders, deeply familiar with AI’s potential, see it as transformative as the transition from typewriters to computers. In fact, 41% of these leaders expect to completely redesign business processes with AI within the next five years, according to the same study.
Learning and development (L&D) professionals are also embracing AI, discovering its ability to streamline workflows and deliver significant benefits. AI in L&D encompasses a spectrum of applications, from automating routine tasks to creating personalized and integrated learning experiences. This journey starts with process optimization, progresses to personalized learning at scale, and culminates in AI seamlessly supporting continuous learning within the workflow. Each stage offers unique advantages, and understanding these can empower L&D professionals to fully leverage AI’s potential.
Level 1: Enhancing Instructional Design Efficiency With AI
At a foundational level, AI streamlines the instructional design process, making it more efficient and effective. AI tools can automate tasks, such as generating videos, creating voiceovers, designing knowledge check questions, summarizing subject matter expert (SME) conversations, creating course objectives and outlines, and more. L&D teams use AI to speed up their work, making this the easiest way organizations can adopt AI. There are numerous AI tools available for L&D at this level.
However, there is a continued demand for L&D professionals, even with AI automation. A potential risk arises when SMEs misuse level 1 AI tools to create ineffective training. I’ve spoken to many non-L&D leaders who are excited about quickly creating “training” using AI, but without the right instructional design skills or assistance from an L&D team, this can lead to subpar materials. These could be misaligned with performance objectives and waste valuable employee time. It’s crucial for L&D professionals to master level 1 AI tools before non-L&D counterparts employ them independently.
Level 2: Enabling Learners to Interact With AI for Learning at Scale
The second level of AI in L&D represents a significant leap forward, focusing on direct learner interaction with AI to create learning experiences that are not possible with today’s tools. AI’s potential to personalize learning comes to the forefront here, offering scalable solutions that adapt to each learner’s needs. Examples include AI-powered chatbots providing real-time support and feedback, AI-driven eLearning interactions offering customized feedback on role-plays and always-available personalized coaching.
At this level, AI creates more effective talent development solutions. Traditional tools often provide a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to engage or challenge learners. AI, however, can analyze learner inputs to offer customized feedback, suggest relevant resources and create learning scenarios directly applicable to the learner’s context. This enhances the learning experience and ensures that learners can apply their knowledge effectively in real-world situations.
Level 3: Achieving Seamless Integration of AI Into Learning
The pinnacle of AI integration in L&D is achieved when AI is seamlessly woven into the learning experience, making its presence virtually unnoticed by learners. AI becomes an integral part of the workflow, providing just-in-time support and guidance that enhances performance without interrupting the natural flow of work.
Examples include learning in the flow of work through integrated platforms that offer widespread assistance unobtrusively. Seamless integration into technology makes learning and support omnipresent, enabling employees to excel in their roles.
Advanced examples feature AI-powered personal assistants and coaches that anticipate and fulfill needs proactively. Imagine getting prompts before you need it on how to handle a delicate performance management discussion with your direct report, at just the timing you need to be successful for the meeting.
At this stage, the challenge is not just technical integration but ensuring AI-powered learning experiences are intuitive, relevant and aligned with the learner’s immediate needs. Success depends on L&D professionals’ ability to design and embed sophisticated yet user-friendly AI systems in organizational culture.
First Step Is to Test
To achieve meaningful performance results, it’s important that we, as L&D professionals, test and become comfortable with AI. Not only is it important to support upskilling, but to equip ourselves. The evolution of AI in L&D, from enhancing instructional design to enabling personalized learning at scale and achieving seamless integration, represents a transformative journey. Each level brings its own opportunities and challenges, from the risk of creating ineffective courses at level 1 to the technical and design complexities at level 3. And each stage brings fantastic opportunities to create more effective learning that drive performance results more efficiently.
As L&D professionals exploring AI’s potential, our focus should be on leveraging its capabilities today to consider how to create more adaptive, engaging and effective learning experiences. This journey requires balancing AI’s innovative potential with the practical realities of implementing technology in various learning environments.
Advancing through these levels of AI integration paves the way for a future where learning is not just about consuming content but about engaging with knowledge in dynamic, personalized and effective ways.
