Navigating the AI shift in corporate learning

Imagine a world where every training module speaks directly to learners. That’s what AI brings to the table. It sifts through data to understand each employee’s unique learning needs and preferences. Then, it adjusts the content to match. This isn’t just efficient; it’s a game-changer for engagement and retention.

This transformation was the focal point of a recent webinar featuring insights from Nelson Sivalingam, CEO of HowNow, and Kasper Spiro, co-founder and Chief Learning Strategist at Easygenerator. Their discussion, moderated by L&D expert Louise Puddifoot, tackled AI’s current influence, its potential to solve training challenges, and what it means for learning professionals who lead their companies’ learning strategies.

More AI content, bigger challenges

One of the immediate effects of AI in corporate learning is the surge in content creation. Tools like ChatGPT have lowered the barriers, making it easy for anyone to generate learning materials. But this comes with its own set of challenges. As Nelson pointed out, the issue isn’t just about having more content; it’s about ensuring that content is useful and relevant. The key challenge now is improving content discovery, making it easier for learners to find what they truly need.

Personalization at scale

Both experts agree that AI’s real game-changer is its ability to personalize learning. Imagine a world where training is not one-size-fits-all but tailored to each employee’s skills, learning habits, and needs. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to deliver just that, acting like a personal coach for every employee. This level of customization promises to make learning more engaging and effective, directly impacting skill development and performance.

Quality over quantity in content creation

With AI, creating content has never been easier. Yet, the focus is shifting towards making that content more relevant and aligned with specific learning objectives. Casper Moerck highlighted the importance of curating and refining AI-generated content to ensure it meets high-quality standards. For learning professionals, this means leveraging AI not just for content generation but for creating meaningful, impactful learning experiences.

Preparing for the skills of tomorrow

One of AI’s most exciting prospects is its ability to help companies prepare for future skill needs. As job roles evolve, AI can help identify emerging skills and learning gaps. This forward-looking approach is invaluable for learning professionals aiming to keep their workforce ahead of the curve. By using AI to anticipate and address future learning needs, companies can ensure their employees are always ready to meet new challenges.

Balancing technology and human touch

Despite AI’s potential, it’s crucial to remember that learning is inherently human. The technology is there to enhance, not replace, the personal touch that makes learning truly effective. Ethical considerations, privacy, and ensuring equitable access to technology are all vital concerns that learning professionals must address. The goal is to integrate AI into corporate learning in a way that complements and enhances the human elements of mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience.

How to integrate AI into your corporate training program

The speakers in the webinar outlined several steps and strategies. Here’s a short breakdown of their advice:

Step 1: Evaluate and identify skill gaps

• Use AI to analyze job roles and performance data within your organization.
• Identify the most in-demand skills and the existing skill gaps among employees.
• Nelson emphasized the importance of understanding these needs: “We use AI right now, and we use a large language model made out of real-time job market data to identify what the most in-demand skills are for any particular job role.”

Step 2: Personalize learning experiences

• Leverage AI to deliver personalized learning experiences based on the identified skill gaps.
• Implement AI-driven platforms that recommend learning content tailored to individual learning styles, needs, and progression.

Step 3: Enhance content discovery and quality

• Employ AI to improve the discoverability of learning content, ensuring employees can find the most relevant materials easily.
• Use AI tools to curate and refine content, focusing on quality over quantity. Ensure the content is not just generated but also aligned with specific learning objectives and corporate goals.

Step 4: Prepare for future skills needs

• Utilize AI to predict future learning needs based on industry trends and technological advancements.
• Develop training programs that not only address current skill gaps but also prepare employees for future roles and responsibilities.

Step 5: Use AI ethically and effectively

• Address ethical considerations and privacy concerns when implementing AI in learning programs.
• Balance the use of technology with the human elements of learning, such as mentorship and collaboration. Kasper noted, “AI still is a supportive technology that can create [a draft course or resource], but I think it’s really important that there’s a person curating [the resources] to see if they contain the right information and if they’re useful.”

Step 6: Foster a culture of continuous learning

• Encourage employees to engage with AI-driven learning tools as part of their daily workflow.
• Promote a culture where continuous learning and skill development are valued and recognized.

Step 7: Measure impact and adapt strategies

• Monitor the effectiveness of AI-enhanced learning programs through employee feedback and performance metrics.
• Continuously adapt and refine AI strategies based on outcomes, feedback, and evolving learning needs.

Takeaways for learning professionals

As AI continues to transform corporate learning, the opportunities are vast. Learning professionals have a key role in harnessing AI’s potential while navigating its challenges. The key is to focus on personalization, content quality, and preparing for future skills needs, all while keeping the human aspect of learning front and center. By doing so, learning professionals can use AI to create more engaging, effective, and future-proof learning strategies for their companies.