News & Thinking

In today's data-driven landscape, where spreadsheets with thousands or even millions of rows are increasingly common, learning leaders have a unique opportunity to evolve methods of displaying large amounts of consumable data in ways that engage and educate users. A properly organized dataset can help users find what they need and explore meaningful connections without becoming overwhelmed.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Learning & HR Technology Conference in Orlando, FL. Conferences like these brim with opportunities, but I find myself particularly drawn to discovering the "hidden gems"—sessions that not only pique my interest, but stimulate deep thinking and compel action.

As the Director of Learning Experience at a custom learning solutions company, I've dedicated my career to the science of learning — designing instructionally-sound experiences that not only engage learners but truly change behavior and improve performance. Yet, earlier this year, I found myself embarking on a personal journey of learning of a different kind: re-acquainting myself with the gym after more than three decades.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are not just buzzwords anymore. As we speak, these transformative technologies are reshaping how we work, search, play, and learn. Successful AI adoption will help power us to become next-level professionals who automate and streamline repetitive tasks and optimize workflows to free up valuable time. We will use this time to create more innovative learning strategies, technology deliverables, and learning customizations.

Video has come a long way. It’s a mainstay in our daily lives, both personally and professionally. As learning and development professionals, we should lean into the familiarity that our audience has with digesting content through video. Let’s explore the various ways video can be used in your next eLearning module or instructor-led training, considerations to keep in mind when producing videos, and what’s next for video in the future.

As we see more and more companies prioritize accessibility in their eLearning, we must remember that the heart of accessibility is inclusivity – and our commitment to accessibility should also extend to meeting the needs of a linguistically diverse audience. If we have learners in our audience whose native languages are not English, we must ensure that we have content accurately translated and localized so they have the same learning experience. 

When we started our DEI program, I wanted it to be a different kind of business initiative. I wanted it to be a journey where we continuously increase our impact through the rest of my career and beyond. While I knew we could achieve some improvements right away, I recognized that the more ambitious results would require time.

As we're embarking on the New Year's tradition of doing more good and less not-so-good, it prompts a reflection on our roles as Instructional Designers. What should we do more of, and what should we steer clear of?

In the ever-evolving landscape of learning and development, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force, reshaping traditional approaches and unlocking new possibilities. Dr. Tom Whelan, Director of Corporate Research at Training Industry, shared his insights on the current state of AI in the training industry and its potential applications.

I just returned from an inspiring week at DevLearn 2023, and the resounding message was clear: AI is revolutionizing every facet of Learning and Development. It's a game-changer that's shaping our industry in unprecedented ways.