With the ongoing advancement of this technology, businesses are actively seeking ways to harness AI to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and foster innovation. The scope of AI extends beyond product development, customer support, and marketing. It is reshaping how learning and development teams build programs, increase efficiency, stimulate engagement, and assess efficacy. In this article, we will delve into the realm of generative AI in corporate training departments.
What is GenAI? | AI for learning content generation | Why use AI in corporate training | What to look for in an GenAI tool | AI expectations vs reality |
What is GenAI?
Traditionally, AI has primarily focused on problem solving and decision-making tasks, such as pattern detection and anomaly identification. However, there exists a branch of artificial intelligence known as generative AI, which possesses the unique ability to generate entirely novel content that has never been seen before. This form of AI is capable of synthesizing new knowledge based on the information it has already acquired.
GenAI finds numerous applications across various domains. It can effortlessly create diverse types of content, including essays, stories, blogs, and Q&As. It can also answer questions, build graphs from spreadsheet data, generate images, and re-engineer existing content.
Despite its remarkable capabilities, generative AI does have limitations. It is unable to infer or extrapolate information beyond what it has been explicitly provided. When utilizing this technology, it is crucial to be precise and specific about the desired output. The AI model must be fed with appropriate subject matter expertise, as it lacks the ability to determine what is accurate or erroneous on its own.
AI for learning content generation
From the perspective of corporate learning, generative AI proves to be an excellent tool for building training content. Generative AI offers the capability to synthesize training content based on the provided material, that follows processes typically used by instructional designers and technical writers when developing training materials or documentation.
Where you can really see the efficiency is in its processing power. Generative AI can efficiently create new content from multiple sources and documents in a fraction of the time it would take a human.
Another benefit of GenAI is that it immune to writer’s block. Its internal models tell it where to start, how to build content and can generate many suggestions. This empowers learning departments to promptly address training needs and create comprehensive programs that yield tangible results.
It is important to note that generative AI does not replace humans; rather, it enhances human productivity. While AI can provide suggestions, humans must validate and augment the content generated by the AI system.
Why use AI in learning and development
In today’s fast-paced world, development cycles have become so rapid that by the time new versions of products hit the market, the training materials and documentation accompanying them need to be updated.
Generative AI allows training and development teams to keep up. For example, OpenText found that using AI reduced the development time for eLearning by 62% compared to traditional methods. This is because AI generated the learning objectives, learning content, and knowledge check questions in a fraction of the time. The company also found AI allowed them to automate the conversion of conference training presentations into training content and reduce overall development time by 31%.
Not only does AI expedite the content creation process, but it can also generate fresh content that is aligned with the resources provided, the learning objectives, and the topics covered in each course. This dynamic approach contributes to a more personalized and engaging learning experience, allowing you to create materials that cater to your learners’ needs and preferences.
What to look for in a GenAI tool
When evaluating a generative AI tool for course development, it’s important to consider several key factors.
- Purpose-built: Look for a tool that is trained to build training content and can support the development of content for eLearning, videos, instructor-led training (ILT), microlearning and more.
- Capabilities: Determine what training formats are available, what kind of assessment questions can be created, and whether there are any content update features and any other features that will speed up your course creation process.
- Protect your information: Look at the base content generation capabilities and options. Select a tool where you control the content that is used to build the training content. This will enable you to build company- and product-specific content.
- Import options: Ask which document formats, such as Word documents, HTML pages and presentations, can be imported.
- Output options: Look for tools that support output formats such SCORM, xAPI and CMI5 so the content is compatible with most off-the-shelf learning management systems (LMSs).
- Customization: Determine if the tool allows you to select content modality, create learning paths, apply branding, and identify difficulty levels or question types.
- Look-and-feel: Look for a tool that allows you to define the style and branding.
- Data privacy and security: Look for features like access control that allow the tool to adhere to data protection regulations and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Integration and compatibility: Ensure the tool can integrate or export content to your preferred LMS or other platforms.
- User-friendly interface: Check to see if the tool is easy for the intended users, including those who may not be formally trained as instructional designers.
- Support and documentation: Look for online help, email support, and personalized training options.
- Cost and value: Evaluate the pricing structure, licensing models, and any additional costs associated with using the tool. When looking at the benefits or ROI, consider not only the amount of time saved in the learning content creation process but also the corporate benefits of delivering customer, employee, sales, and partner training in a timely manner.
- Remember to demo the tool with your content! Also, verify that the content’s speed, output, and quality meet your expectations.
The Learning Services team at OpenText also recommends that you work with vendors to evolve their roadmap so that your investment will lead to a product that better meets your needs.
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AI expectations vs. reality
The Learning Services team at OpenText also suggests that you keep the following in mind when working with AI tools.
- Quality input is crucial: Expert input is essential to building good content. AI, like any tool, produces results only as good as the information it receives; poor input will yield poor output.
- AI as a “Co-Pilot”: AI serves well as a “co-pilot” for subject matter experts. It excels at foundational tasks like content conversion, formatting, media generation, translation, and drafting initial material, giving instructional design teams a valuable head start.
- Effective change management is essential: Successful AI adoption depends on clear goals, strong leadership support, and a well-defined strategy to ensure smooth integration and meaningful results.
LEAi for learning and development
There are many generative AI-enabled tools on the market, and it’s important to find the right one to meet your unique needs. Don’t be swayed by a generic online demo; instead, ask for a personalized demo with your own data to see whether it will work with your resources and content.
LEAi was built specifically for training and learning departments to generate learning content using existing resources and expert knowledge in the subject matter. It can generate content for any type of training beyond just eLearning, including instructor-led training (ILT), knowledge base articles, virtual class content, presentations, webinars, and videos, using content your subject matter experts have already created.
You don’t have to be a training expert to use LEAi. Simply import your documents, presentations, or videos and LEAi will convert it into learning content that follows best practices – in minutes. If you are considering using AI in your corporate training program and you need expertise to help you get going fast, drop us a note!
