Thanks to the advancements in Generative AI, a significant transformation is on the horizon for corporate learning, marking a milestone comparable to the advent of the internet. This impending revolution will amalgamate personalization, knowledge management, and an enhanced user experience, addressing a long-standing need in the industry.
Having been actively involved in the corporate learning sector since 1998, coinciding with the inception of the term “e-learning,” I have witnessed a series of innovations aimed at simplifying the creation, consumption, and personalization of training materials. While these innovations, such as role-based learning, competency-driven training, and career-centric programs, have been commendable, their adaptability has often fallen short of expectations.
Initially, strategies like role-based learning and competency-driven training proved effective but lacked agility. Subsequently, the shift towards short video formats, YouTube-style platforms, and user-generated content emerged. The evolution continued with the integration of mobile tools, collaborative systems, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and, more recently, Learning Experience Platforms. Presently, the focus has shifted towards skills-based training, aiming to structure all content around a skills taxonomy.
Despite the progress made by these innovations, a new era beckons. The emergence of AI-powered dynamic content systems is poised to revolutionize the landscape of corporate learning. Drawing from my extensive experience in this domain, I am eager to elaborate on the imminent changes. In this discourse, I will delve into four pioneering vendors—Sana, Docebo, Uplimit, and Arist—who exemplify this transformative shift.
The Challenge of Dynamic Content: Machine-Driven Instructional Design
The fundamental challenge lies in the vast array of topics encompassing professional skills, technical expertise, and business strategies that companies need to impart to their employees. Each organization possesses a unique knowledge repository, like Rolls Royce with over a century of engineering prowess embedded in its products and processes. The daunting task remains: how can such extensive expertise be effectively transmitted to new hires?
This conundrum is ubiquitous across industries. For instance, Exxon’s repository of manuals detailing pump design, Shell’s simulation for production engineers, Starbucks’ drink-making protocols, and even Uber drivers’ app usage guidelines—all underscore the complexity of the content dissemination challenge. Instructional designers and training managers craft elaborate training programs, ranging from traditional classroom sessions to interactive simulations and podcasts. However, the perpetual “content problem” persists, magnified by the current emphasis on AI skills, human-centered leadership, sustainability strategies, and cloud-based solutions.
While collaborative efforts with instructional designers have been rewarding, the time and resources invested in developing specialized courses, videos, assessments, and learning paths are substantial. Despite attempts at incorporating adaptive learning features, the scalability and efficacy of these endeavors remain constrained.
What if AI and machine learning could dynamically generate content on-demand? What if employees could simply pose questions to curate their personalized learning experiences? Thanks to the innovations introduced by the aforementioned vendors, this vision of tailored learning experiences is now a tangible reality. (For further insights, listen to my conversation with Joel Hellermark from Sana.)
Decoding the Autonomous Learning Platform
An apt analogy for this transformative phase is the progression from “no automation” to “fully automated,” akin to the evolution in autonomous driving technology. This evolution mirrors the trajectory of corporate training towards autonomous learning systems.
The rapid influx of AI advancements, including custom GPTs, image/video generation, and integrated search functionalities, underscores the realization of this paradigm shift.
Operational Mechanisms
Having immersed myself in AI exploration and engaged with numerous vendors over the past year, the operational framework is becoming discernible. The latest generation of learning platforms, poised to supplant traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS), boasts a myriad of capabilities:
- Dynamic content indexing and ingestion into a Learning and Knowledge Management (LLM) system, facilitating personalized responses akin to an “expert” or “tutor.” Platforms like Galileo can emulate one’s voice and address a wide array of HR queries comprehensively.
- Automated creation of courses, videos, quizzes, and simulations. Arist’s tool excels in crafting instructional pathways from existing documents, significantly expediting the design process. Similarly, Docebo Shape streamlines the transformation of sales presentations into interactive simulations for sales professionals.
- Provision of interactive tutors and coaches for employees. Uplimit’s technical training system offers an AI-powered coach to guide learners through exercises, tailoring assistance based on individual learning needs.
- Precise content personalization. Sana’s platform not only generates dynamic content but also customizes learning experiences based on user behavior, ensuring a tailored approach to each course.
These advancements signify a paradigm shift in learning methodologies, promising a realm of possibilities once thought unattainable.
Future Trajectory
While the landscape is nascent, several significant opportunities lie ahead:
- Legacy content repurposing: Organizations can transform outdated SCORM or video-based courses into intelligent tutoring systems and knowledge repositories, streamlining information retrieval for employees.
- Democratization of instructional design: The democratization of content creation enables non-designers, such as sales professionals, to craft courses swiftly. Additionally, the realm of video authoring and journalism stands to benefit from accelerated processes, with the advent of “generated VR” on the horizon.
- Integration of live and self-directed learning: Live events can be seamlessly integrated into self-directed study materials, enriching the learning experience. Webinars and other live sessions can be cataloged and leveraged as learning objects, enhancing knowledge accessibility.
- Streamlining compliance training and operational protocols: AI-powered systems can simplify compliance training, operational guidelines, product usage instructions, and customer support protocols, significantly reducing the time and effort invested in training endeavors.
Implications for Vendors
This transformative wave is as disruptive to the learning industry as Tesla’s impact on traditional automakers. Legacy LMS and Learning Experience Platform (LXP) systems are poised to undergo substantial reevaluation, while mobile learning will transcend its current niche. Moreover, ERP-driven training systems will witness a paradigm shift in response to the evolving landscape.
Pioneering vendors like Sana and Uplimit, with their AI-centric architecture, are set to challenge conventional systems, including Workday Learning, SuccessFactors, and Cornerstone. Content providers, both established entities like LinkedIn Learning, Skillsoft, Coursera, and Udemy, and emerging players, have the opportunity to reinvent their strategies by integrating next-gen AI capabilities or adopting a fresh approach.
While the road ahead may pose challenges, conversations with industry leaders like Sana, Docebo, Arist, and Uplimit reveal the meticulous calibration required to optimize AI platforms for an unparalleled user experience. This transformative era of Autonomous Learning is rapidly approaching.
As a seasoned professional with a quarter-century of experience in the Learning and Development domain, I view this era as the most exhilarating and value-laden in recent memory. I encourage all stakeholders to embrace this evolution eagerly, with the assurance of support and guidance throughout this transformative journey.
About the Featured Vendors
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Sana Labs: A Sweden-based AI company specializing in reshaping organizational learning and knowledge access. Their AI-driven platform amalgamates knowledge management, enterprise search, and e-learning functionalities, facilitating seamless data organization across diverse organizational applications.
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Docebo: A Software as a Service (SaaS) company renowned for its Learning Management Systems (LMS). Founded in 2005, Docebo leverages AI-specific algorithms in its platform, integrating machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing to deliver personalized learning experiences.
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Uplimit: An online learning platform offering live group courses led by industry experts in AI, data, engineering, product management, and business domains. Uplimit’s AI-powered teaching assistant and personalized learning approach empower learners with real-time feedback and tailored learning plans.
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Arist: A pioneering company offering a text message learning platform, enabling Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits to deliver training via text messages. Their innovative approach, inspired by Stanford research, aims to make learning engaging and accessible, even without laptops or internet connectivity.
