Three conclusions following Learning Technologies 2024.

Ai, ai, AI

It sticks out a mile: yes, everything (but really everything) revolves around AI. While during the 2023 edition it was still doubtful and even the joke went around that only ChatGPT would make it to the next Learning Technologies, this year it is clear that AI has changed the L&D world forever and will continue to do so.

Artificial Intelligence made its appearance so quickly and so much became possible in such a short time that organizations are still searching for what AI is and especially what it is not suitable for. Many organizations have only taken their first steps in AI. Translating with AI is a particularly popular starting point. Logical too, because translations of learning solutions have been a long and time-consuming and therefore costly job for a long time. You can now translate complete course content into a wide variety of languages at the touch of a button. Small note: the quality is good, but certainly not perfect (yet!). Especially when it comes to subject-specific terms or expressions. so you better double check it anyway.

Opportunities and pitfalls of AI

All in all, LT24 offered a nice glimpse into the future of online learning. Combining VR with AI-generated conversation partners, who can respond to your words on the spot. Integration of AI into learning management systems so that learning outcomes can be quickly analyzed and relevant follow-up training can be offered. These are opportunities that make our and probably your hearts beat faster.

The biggest pitfall around AI use in online learning: convenience over experience. Several parties at LT24 demonstrated how to create a complete e-learning in ten minutes. Fast and cost-effective. But end result was not very impressive.  Flat, distant and above all, zero experience. Maximal results of learning are gone. This application of AI feels like a step back in time. Back to the old days, when e-learning was mostly a “must” after all; a text-image course offered without any underlying idea. By now we have come to recognize – thankfully – the importance of learning experiences, interactivity and the visual aspect of online learning. That’s not exactly where those “microwave trainings,” which AI brews up in minutes, fit in. But as always with artificial intelligence: in the near future, this just may become possible.

Closing the skills gap

We don’t yet know if it’s as much a keeper as AI, but the trend of the year is skill-based learning. With or without artificial intelligence: that skills gap (the difference between the skills an employee should have and the skills the employee actually has) must and will close. As a result of all technological developments, many jobs are no longer future-proof: different skills (reskilling) or additional skills (upskilling) are needed. Digital learning solutions are of course the way to go in this regard. And don’t overlook the role of the LMS. Thanks to data analysis (thanks again AI!), insight is gained down to the individual level into how big the personal skills gap still is and what you can use to solve it. This gives not only the individual employee but also the employer great insight into the path to achieving organizational goals.

Compliments to you (okay and also to ourselves)

Somehow we already knew it, but confirmation is always nice: we in the Netherlands are incredibly far along in terms of digital learning. This was very noticeable in London. The proportion of Dutch organizations was relatively large. You could talk at least as much Dutch as English, even though LT24 is a global event. It looked like the Spanish costa.

Because you also get a lot of insight into the L&D world in other countries, we can confidently conclude that “we Dutch” are doing very well. We are taking advantage of the technological opportunities and are already applying this fully in our digital learning products. In doing so, we also appear to be particularly forward-looking. The present is actually already the past, thinking ahead is the motto! So a compliment to you (forward, and also to ourselves).

Staying future-proofed as a learning organization?

Now the important thing is to maintain our leading position. Let’s figure out together how your organization stays future-proof in online learning. Give us a call or drop by on the “seventh. We are happy to help you.