AI is being bandied around in the world of L&D, but what impact is it actually having? We investigate.
If you’re ever at an L&D event, or on LinkedIn, then you’ll be very familiar with tech providers, L&D leaders and more saying that AI is going to take over.
Of course, its impact is felt.
Chat GPT is now used by most to speed up processes, assist with information finding, or even help with job functions.
But what is its role in L&D?
And is it a force for good?
We ask if AI is a strategic partner enhancing the learning experience, a threat to traditional roles and methodologies, or a complex mix of both?
The case for AI as a partner
AI offers powerful capabilities that can revolutionise L&D in ways previously unimaginable.
Related: Uses cases for AI in learning and development
Some, you may already be using. But others, you might not have yet made the most of:
1. Personalised learning at scale
AI enables L&D teams to deliver truly personalised learning experiences.
Related: How to use AI in personalised learning
Algorithms can analyse learner behaviour, preferences, and performance to recommend tailored content, pacing, and pathways.
This not only improves engagement but also drives better retention and application of skills.
2. Smarter content creation and curation
AI tools like natural language generation (NLG) and large language models (LLMs) can automate content creation, making it easier and faster to produce training materials.
Additionally, AI can sift through vast content libraries to surface the most relevant resources, reducing information overload for learners.
3. Intelligent analytics
AI-driven analytics go beyond completion rates to uncover deeper insights.
It can help with identifying skills gaps, predicting learner outcomes, and supporting L&D leaders make data-driven decisions.
These insights can be used to fine-tune programs and justify L&D investments.
4. Virtual coaches and chatbots
AI-powered virtual assistants can provide on-demand support, answer questions, and guide learners through complex topics, offering 24/7 accessibility that scales support without additional headcount.
The case for AI as a threat
While AI brings many benefits, it also introduces challenges and concerns that shouldn’t be overlooked:
1. Job displacement and role redefinition
There’s growing anxiety that AI will replace L&D professionals, particularly instructional designers, content developers, and trainers.
While full replacement is unlikely, roles will certainly evolve, and those who fail to adapt may be left behind.
It’s important, therefore, to embrace AI, and use it where you can to make you better at your job.
2. Depersonalisation risks
Overreliance on AI may lead to overly automated experiences, lacking the human touch that makes learning meaningful.
Relationship-building, mentorship, and social learning remain critical elements of effective L&D that AI struggles to replicate.
3. Ethical and bias concerns
AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on.
If that data is biased or incomplete, the learning recommendations and assessments it generates may perpetuate inequalities or exclude diverse learner needs.
4. Data privacy and security
The use of AI in L&D often involves collecting and analysing sensitive employee data.
Without proper safeguards, this raises significant concerns about data privacy, consent, and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
A complex reality: AI as both partner and threat
The truth is, AI is neither wholly a saviour nor a saboteur. It’s just a tool.
How it impacts L&D depends on how it’s implemented and integrated.
The best outcomes will come from viewing AI as a strategic partner that augments rather than replaces human capabilities.
L&D leaders must take an active role in shaping how AI is used, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals, supports inclusivity, and enhances (not replaces) the human aspects of learning.
Navigating the future of AI in L&D
Here are some key takeaways for L&D professionals navigating this new frontier:
- Upskill yourself: Learn about AI technologies and how they apply to learning. You don’t need to be a data scientist, but understanding the basics helps you make informed decisions.
- Experiment strategically: Start small with AI pilots in specific areas like content curation or learner support. Measure impact and iterate.
- Prioritise ethics: Work with HR, IT, and compliance teams to ensure ethical use of AI and protection of learner data.
- Embrace the human element: Use AI to handle repetitive tasks and free up time for high-value, human-centred work like coaching, facilitation, and strategic planning.
Related: Real use cases of AI in learning and development
AI in the BuildEmpire platform
We’re always looking into how AI can help improve the learning experience.
And we’re lucky to be platinum partners of Totara, which means we get all of their great features.
So far, you can enjoy 3 key AI features in our platform:
Smart content recommendations
Our AI engine doesn’t just throw content at learners—it understands their goals, behaviours, and progress to recommend what’s truly relevant.
By cutting through information overload, it ensures your team receives the most impactful, timely content—boosting engagement and accelerating skill development.
AI-assisted course tagging
Managing content has never been easier. Our AI automatically applies accurate tags to courses, helping administrators keep learning materials organised with minimal effort.
For learners, this means better content discovery which makes it easier to find what they need, when they need it, for a smoother, more effective learning journey.
Build your own AI functionality
Totara’s flexibility allows you to tailor AI features to your exact needs thanks to its integration with OpenAI. Whether it’s integrating with your systems or building bespoke tools, you’re not limited to off-the-shelf solutions.
You get full control to shape AI to fit your business.
After all, AI in L&D is here to stay.
Whether it becomes a partner or a threat depends largely on mindset and execution.
With thoughtful integration, AI can elevate the learning function to new heights and use to to become more agile, data-driven, and impactful than ever before.
The future of learning is not AI versus humans; it’s AI with humans, building smarter, more adaptive, and more inclusive learning ecosystems.