2023’s in-person Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) provided a wealth of ideas and insights into the current learning and development (L&D) landscape. Conferences always go by in a blur; three days of concentrated knowledge-sharing and networking with industry leaders from around the world left me with a lot to unpack!
One topic came up again and again throughout sessions, roundtables and hallway conversations: artificial intelligence (AI). With the pace of tech innovation ramping up, many learning leaders feel unsure of how to implement AI in their organizations, lack confidence in their understanding of the technology and are overwhelmed by the number of options available on the market. Luckily, TICE was the perfect environment for learning and development (L&D) professionals to come together and compare notes. Working together, and with the guidance of industry-leading experts, TICE attendees were able to address some of the major sticking points of AI in L&D.
1. Choosing Where to Implement AI
With so many advancements occurring over such a short period of time, learning leaders are (justifiably) confused about the capabilities of AI — which makes it hard to know where or when to implement a new tool. One major consideration for the modern L&D function is measurement. We’re now expected to produce more granular data than ever before on learner engagement, training effectiveness and more.
And while we may still associate AI tools with strictly quantitative data measurement, it has become massively better at generating qualitative data as well, according to Dr. Nabeel Ahmad, co-founder of changeforce.ai and professor at Columbia University. Dr. Ahmad’s session, “Using AI to Plan Your L&D Strategy and Measure Impact,” sparked discussions around the ways in which AI can be used to supercharge measurement and automatically generate data that can help you zero in on (and close) skills gaps in a fraction of the time it would have taken before.
2. Navigating AI Tool Selection
A crucial consideration, voiced repeatedly, was the need for tools that protect proprietary information. “Learning leaders in organizations with highly sensitive, proprietary information are increasingly worried that using AI in content development is putting their data at risk,” said Matt Donovan, senior vice president and chief learning and innovation officer at GP Strategies. “A large language model (LLM) will regurgitate your data if you’re not using a premium version. As the saying goes, ‘if it’s free, you’re the product.’”
As a result, many learning leaders discussed moving away from free AI tools like ChatGPT, and toward more targeted, secure and paid services, which offer the ability to train a language model on local, proprietary data without having that information influence AI output elsewhere.
3. AI-Generated Scenarios for Training Success
Effective training for salespeople or other client-facing roles often includes engaging scenarios or interactive role-plays. TICE attendees recognized the potential of AI in generating dynamic scenarios and personas to enhance training programs. By leveraging AI capabilities, organizations can provide personalized and interactive learning experiences. The ability to simulate real-world situations with AI-generated scenarios empowers learners to develop practical skills and make informed decisions. This application of AI sparked discussions on how to leverage scenario generation tools to equip salespeople for the changing world of work.
4. Bridging the Gap: Training for Field Personnel
Training individuals in the field presents unique challenges due to limited access to traditional learning resources. In his session, “How Generative AI and ChatGPT Are Transforming the Future of Learning,” Chris Kuntz, vice president of strategic operations at Augmentir, talked about how new leaps in generative AI were drastically cutting time to proficiency for the workforces of companies like Colgate-Palmolive (while increasing their productivity by almost 40%).
At TICE, attendees acknowledged the critical importance of addressing this gap. Discussions revolved around utilizing mobile-first platforms such as Articulate’s Rise 360 or Docebo to deliver training modules specifically designed for field personnel. By leveraging the convenience of mobile learning, organizations can provide on-demand access to vital knowledge, ensuring that field personnel receive timely and relevant training.
5. Overcoming Language Barriers
For organizations operating in bilingual environments, accurate translation tools are paramount. Traditional translation tools often struggle to capture nuances and context accurately. The potential of new AI-powered translation tools, including BLOOM, DeepL Translate and even ChatGPT to address this issue generated significant interest, offering the promise of more effective multilingual training initiatives through improved language understanding and translation accuracy.
Final Takeaways
Attending TICE 2023 provided many valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing AI in training. Interacting with conference attendees highlighted their struggles in selecting suitable AI tools and navigating the rapid pace of AI technology development. However, TICE also showcased numerous promising solutions and ways L&D professionals can use AI tools in their role.
As the L&D industry continues to embrace AI, the conference emphasized the importance of making informed decisions, fostering trust in AI solutions, and leveraging technology to deliver impactful and personalized training experiences. With AI’s continued growth and innovation, the future of training appears bright, empowering organizations to meet evolving learning needs effectively.
If you weren’t able to attend this year’s conference, or if you’re looking for more opportunities to learn and grow alongside your peers, register for the upcoming virtual TICE, happening September 27-28, here.
