I recently read an article that showed that learning can be hampered by the use of AI videos in training materials. Here are some findings from the research: 1. The use of high-quality AI produced nearly identical results when compared to human voiceover. However, learners showed significantly worse results and engagement when low-quality (robotic, choppy, flat, etc) AI voiceovers were used. 2. Full screen AI avatars were viewed as distracting, however, picture-in-picture AI avatars actually enhanced training. The reasoning was that full screen avatars made subtle differences such as eye movement, lip syncing, and breathing patterns more obvious and therefore, more distracting. 3. To the surprise of no one, they found that AI performed worse with topics associated with soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence, etc... They recommend human voiceovers for these types of topics due to the emotional nuances tied to them. What are your thoughts on that? Do you use AI voiceovers/avatars in your training material?

Do you have a solid process for mgmt input for training topics and content? I've found that a clear process for input is invaluable. However, the expectation should be that while input is encouraged and welcomed, it is not guaranteed to make it to the final product. Some of the best training topics have come directly from training requests from both management and team members. What is your process?

Over and over again, I hear that people need to be taught according to their preferred learning style (visual, audible, haptic). However, the overwhelming consensus among researchers is that this is a myth. I saw a statistic that 90% of people believe they have a learning style in spite of this research. Is it something we’ve been taught to believe or is there more to the story? Love to hear your thoughts!

I grew up with ADDIE, so objectives are part of my religion. Proper writing, structure, verbs, etc…. However, I’ve recently seen some trends where IDs are moving away from them. I personally feel like they matter (I could just be brainwashed), but I would love to hear your opinions/experiences with using them!

Honestly, fun is a term rarely used to describe training. I would love to change that! Here are some questions to ask yourself when designing your next training that might help: 1. Make it real and relevant. While this isn't necessarily about making it fun, it is necessary to get them engaged. Fun won't happen if they aren't engaged. 2. Make it clear and challenging. Don't try to include every detail about the topic, just because you can. Make the content just specific enough get the brain juices flowing, but no so complicated they lose the forest because of the trees. 3. Finally, be entertaining. This requires you to take an honest look at yourself. Are you monotone? Do you stand like a statue? Do you crack a little joke every now and then? If you watched yourself (and you should), would you be entertained? You probably read that and thought "Yeah, that's all common sense!" and it is. However, I think it's all it takes to make a training session fun. You can be an entertaining presenter with relevant material, but if the content is too easy your students will not enjoy it. Take the time and provide yourself with some honest feedback to see if you can hit all of these points and watch your students light up a little more than usual!