You may have already noticed it: artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. It helps us choose movies, find improbable pasta recipes, and now… it is also making its way into the world of digital learning. But beyond the buzzwords, what is the real impact of AI on the design and development of online training modules? Is it a valuable tool, or does it risk stealing the work of instructional designers and developers? Or, worse still, could it force us to learn in a monotonous way? While it has the potential to make a significant difference in several areas, AI is not yet ready to take full control. Let’s take a look at the stages where AI shines (and sometimes falters)…
Content Design: AI, your infallible co-screenwriter (almost)
You’re an e-learning designer, it’s late, you have a module to finish by tomorrow, and… you’re still missing a script. Don’t panic, this is where AI can become your best friend. Thanks to natural language processing (or NLP for the insiders), AI can turn boring documents, newsletters, or technical reports into interactive scripts.
Imagine yourself sipping a coffee while AI takes care of creating quizzes or case studies. Magic, right? Well, of course, it’s not quite ready to write a script worthy of an Oscar, but for structured content, it’s quite efficient.
Although AI can automate certain repetitive tasks, humans remain indispensable. AI lacks the ability to inject the pedagogical sensitivity needed to create engaging learning experiences. Instructional designers, freed from the most technical tasks, can now spend more time refining scenarios, tailoring content to the specific needs of learners, and making each module more engaging and relevant. In short, AI enhances efficiency, but the true added value lies in the human touch that makes all the difference.
Personalization on demand: AI, the personal coach for your learners
We all have that friend who wants everything personalized – from their coffee to their Spotify playlist. Why not do the same with learning paths? AI enables this fine personalization by analyzing learner behaviors. Time spent on an activity, difficulty with certain questions, preferred (or disliked) topics: AI monitors it all, like a secret agent of digital learning.
It can then suggest tailored learning paths: more content for those who are struggling, challenges for the experts, and a progression curve suited to each profile. In short, AI becomes a sort of personal coach saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll get there, let’s take it slow!” But if the learner decides to procrastinate on Netflix instead of taking their course? Well, even AI can’t help with that… for now!
Automatic translation: long live multilingual modules!
You just published an e-learning module in French, and two of your subsidiaries ask: “Can we also have it in Chinese and Spanish by tomorrow?” Moment of panic? No, because AI is here to save the day.
Of course, you’ll still need to review the translations to avoid any funny mistakes. But AI saves you valuable time, and the modules can be accessible to a global audience in record time.
Automated voiceovers: the end of endless casting calls.
Imagine: no more chasing voice-over actors, scheduling recording sessions, or waiting for your favorite narrator to finally find a free slot. AI and speech synthesis turn scripts into clear and natural voiceovers with just a few clicks. You can even choose the accent, tone, and maybe add a touch of emotion. Need a warm voice for a module on workplace well-being? Or a serious voice to explain safety procedures? AI adapts to your needs.
Obviously, if you’re dreaming of a Morgan Freeman-level performance, you’ll have to wait a little longer (or shell out a big check). But in the meantime, for quick and effective voiceovers, AI gets the job done.
Creation of Animated Characters:
Avatars that Move (Almost) Like Humans
To enhance the animation of modules, AI can also bring characters to life in 2D or 3D. It’s possible to create avatars that speak, smile, move their lips… Basically, avatars that seem truly alive! These avatars can even interact with your learners in immersive scenarios.
True, sometimes their facial expressions are still a bit stiff (like a forced smile at a family reunion), but they add a real interactive dimension to the modules. And who knows? Maybe in a few years, these avatars will be able to cry with us during tight deadlines!
Analysis and performance tracking: AI, the super detective teacher
AI doesn’t just create and animate content; it can also analyze your learners’ journey. Tools can scrutinize results, identify challenges, and even predict potential future mistakes. AI is a bit like that teacher who always knows when you’re about to fail an exam (but this time, they actually help you improve).
Thanks to this detailed analysis, you can adjust your modules based on learners’ progress and further personalize their experience. No miracles here, AI doesn’t do everything, but it saves you from spending hours dissecting Excel files.
Automated accessibility: making your modules inclusive.
When we talk about digital learning, we also talk about accessibility for everyone. But let’s be honest: designing a module that meets all accessibility standards is a bit like trying to understand the instructions for an IKEA furniture… without the manual. Luckily, AI can guide us with tools that analyze the content and help us comply with accessibility standards (subtitles, image descriptions, contrasts, etc.).
With these solutions, there’s no need to stress about whether a module is inclusive: AI helps us make it accessible to everyone.
Development: AI, a boost for e-learning developers.
Now that we’ve discussed design, let’s talk about development! Yes, AI doesn’t just create content, it is also an ally for developers. It can automate certain technical processes.
AI is capable of generating interactive environments, autonomous avatars, and testing user behaviors to refine learning scenarios. This means it can create environments and simulations, and adjust them accordingly.
Moreover, AI can automatically test e-learning modules to identify bugs, check ergonomics, and even anticipate unexpected learner behaviors. It’s like AI playing the role of a beta tester, but more efficiently (and without coffee breaks!).
AI doesn’t replace developers (thankfully for them), but it can eliminate some of the repetitive tasks. This allows them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of e-learning development.
AI doesn't replace experts, it frees them!
So, is AI the ultimate solution for the design and development of digital learning tools? Let’s say it’s a great tool for simplifying life and automating tedious tasks. But let’s not forget: AI remains a tool, and it’s the human touch that provides the final spark. Personalizing, adapting, making things lively and empathetic—these are tasks where creativity and pedagogical sensitivity still make all the difference.
In short, AI is like a stand mixer in the kitchen: it helps you bake amazing cakes, but it’s still you who adds the magical touch that makes them unforgettable. So, let’s get ready to cook up some digital learning with a pinch of AI!
