AI in Learning and Development: Use Cases & Impact in 2024

Maybe you’ve noticed how AI is taking the tech world by storm. It feels like every time we blink, there a new tools popping up to make our work lives easier. And the good news: the learning and development space is getting in on the action too. 

In fact, nearly half of all L&D tools are expected to be enabled by AI capabilities. Given the time and cost savings many companies already see by incorporating AI, this should come as no surprise.

Ahead, you’ll learn about how AI is impacting L&D, along with practical use cases and insights on how to implement it into your own program. 

How is AI changing learning and development?

Let’s face it. AI is shaking things up in the learning and development world, much like calculators did back in the day. 

Remember the “Great Calculator Panic” of the ’80s and ’90s? Math teachers were freaking out, thinking calculators would turn our brains to mush. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing similar jitters about AI in education and corporate training.

But here’s the thing: just like calculators didn’t make us all math-illiterate, AI isn’t here to replace good old-fashioned learning. Instead, it’s opening up some cool possibilities, like:

• • Making learning a breeze for everyone: AI’s got your back with real-time captions, text-to-speech, and translations. It’s like having an incredibly smart assistant that makes sure no one’s left behind.
  • Personalized learning journeys: Imagine a learning path that adapts to you, not the other way around. AI is making this a reality, serving up content that’s just right for each learner.
  • Instant feedback: No more twiddling thumbs waiting for quiz results. AI’s got you covered with speedy assessments and smart insights into where learners might be struggling.
  • 24/7 support: AI chatbots are always available for learners at any time of day or night.

Looking ahead, AI can open doors to more advanced and exciting learning opportunities for folks. We may even come out of the AI revolution smarter than before. 

Use cases for AI in learning and development

AI technologies aim to improve processes—and we’re already seeing that with its impact on training programs. Now, let’s dive into ten ways you can use AI in learning and development to help save your L&D professionals time and better train your employees.

1. Personalized learning

Personalized learning means that a learning path has been catered specifically to the student based on their skill development needs. This is essential in a good learning and development environment.

After all, people learn at their own pace, and some pick up on some concepts better than others. So, having the ability to personalize the learning process with artificial intelligence is huge. Not only can it ensure every student’s individual needs are met, but it can also help close skill gaps. 

In the WorkRamp dashboard below, you can see how Audrey, a QA analyst, works through her learning journey. The dashboard shows a curated set of assignments tailored to Audrey’s role and development needs, including courses on improving listening skills, interpersonal communication, remote working, and addressing unconscious bias.

MikMak, a rapidly growing software company, implemented WorkRamp as their Learning Management System (LMS) to create a flexible and streamlined learning environment for their expanding workforce. 

WorkRamp’s features have enabled MikMak to embrace personalized learning, a key component of an effective learning and development environment. The platform allows MikMak to tailor training content for specific roles within the organization, ensuring that each employee receives a learning experience customized to their needs and skill development requirements.

Within a week of launch, their SOX training achieved 90% engagement. Now, most programs see nearly 100% engagement. Sales reps show faster time-to-first-sale and higher early deal values.

👉Learn more about MikMak’s story.

2. Adaptive learning platforms

Adaptive learning systems use artificial intelligence to personalize educational content for individual learners. When integrated into your LMS, learners get the tailored experience they need—all while reducing the burden on instructors to provide individualized instruction for each student.

AI-powered adaptive learning is particularly useful for guiding learners through complex topics at their own pace. Learners can engage with the system and receive prompts like, “Based on your performance in the last module on financial analysis, would you like to review basic accounting principles or move on to advanced forecasting techniques?”

By tailoring the learning journey to each individual’s needs and pace, this AI-driven approach helps learners grasp complex topics more effectively, which improves engagement and knowledge retention.

3. Natural language processing (NLP) for feedback

Natural language processing (NLP) is a type of artificial intelligence that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. In corporate training, NLP-powered tools can enhance the feedback process, making it more interactive and insightful. 

WorkRamp’s AI Practice feature is an excellent example of how NLP can be integrated into training platforms.

For example, say a sales rep has an important client meeting next week to prepare for. They can ask a role-play bot, “I have an important sales pitch next week for a software client. Can we roleplay the presentation, focusing on our new product features and potential objections?”

The bot, drawing on its vast database of sales scenarios and product information, can then set up a simulation. It might respond, “Certainly. I’ll play the role of the client’s CTO. Let’s start with your opening pitch, and I’ll interject with questions about scalability and integration. Remember to emphasize our new cloud-based features and their cost-effectiveness.”

NLP algorithms can analyze trainee responses and provide instant, tailored feedback. For instance, after a simulated sales pitch, an NLP system could offer specific suggestions on improving persuasive language or addressing customer pain points.

As in the example above, NLP-powered chatbots can engage in dynamic role-play scenarios, adapting their responses based on the trainee’s input and providing real-time feedback.

4. Gamification and interactive learning

Gamification is a great way to make e-learning more engaging through interactive games as a part of the learning journey. Think of mini-games that help instill learned information or challenges that pit learners against each other in healthy competition.

WorkRamp’s employee training software enables basic gamification tools like leaderboards, challenges, and roleplay scenarios. Employees can also track their performance, share kudos with their teammates, and earn rewards for completing different competencies or upskilling into new areas.

5. Content creation and curation

Another huge benefit of AI in learning & development is its assistance in creating content and curating learning materials. AI systems can help reduce content creation time and assist with time-consuming processes like outlining modules.

With WorkRamp’s AI Assist, you can:

• Brainstorm ideas
• Outline modules
• Write tidbits of content
• Assist with various other content creation tasks

AI also excels at content curation by compiling useful information and resources from across the web that you can add into your learning modules. This helps your content stay relevant without spending countless hours on manual research.

⚡Take action: Try using WorkRamp’s AI Assist to outline a new learning module. Compare the time spent and quality of output to your traditional methods and see how much more efficient you can be.

6. Virtual assistants, tutors, and chatbots

AI has also influenced how organizations use virtual assistants and tutors. These AI-powered tools offer personalized, on-demand support to learners that enhances the training experience and improves outcomes. 

Some key use cases include:

• Personalized learning paths: AI analyzes learner data to tailor training materials and recommend courses based on individual needs and preferences.
• Navigation and guidance: Virtual assistants help learners efficiently navigate complex learning management systems (LMS) and find relevant resources.
• Performance tracking: AI tools can monitor and share learner progress, providing timely feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
• Real-time support: Chatbots provide instant answers to questions, clarify concepts, and provide additional resources during the learning process.
• Automated onboarding: AI-powered assistants streamline the onboarding process for both employees and customers, improving engagement and retention.

These AI-powered tools support learners and provide valuable insights for L&D professionals. They can collect data on common questions, learning patterns, and areas of difficulty, so you can refine your training programs. 

As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated and intuitive virtual assistants, tutors, and chatbots that will further enhance employee development and organizational learning.

7. Predictive analytics for intervention

LMS analytics are key to understanding employee performance as they go through your training materials. Predictive analytics are helpful for estimating how well employees will continue to perform and the overall learning outcomes.

The Association for Talent Development shares four great uses for predictive analytics:

• Spot mentoring opportunities: If the data hints that someone’s starting to struggle, you can swoop in with some coaching to get them back on track.

• Give performance feedback that matters: Use those predictive insights to offer trainees actionable tips they can actually use.

• Help course designers up their game: If everyone’s hitting a wall at the same part of a course, let the designers know so they can work their magic.

• Empower managers to make smarter calls: Sometimes, an employee’s skills might be a better fit elsewhere. Predictive analytics can help managers see these opportunities.

WorkRamp is armed with analytics capabilities that can turn your learning data into action. With easy-to-use dashboards, you can spot trends, track what matters, and make decisions that actually move the needle.

8. Automation of administrative tasks

L&D teams often find themselves bogged down by repetitive administrative tasks. AI advancements, particularly through LMS platforms, help automate these time-consuming processes and do all those boring jobs you’d rather not do.

For example, with WorkRamp, you can automatically:

• Nudge your team about upcoming training so you don’t have to
• Ask everyone what they thought of the course once it’s done
• Spread the word about new workshops to the right people

WorkRamp can figure out what each person on your team needs to learn next, tailoring the experience to them. If someone’s falling behind in a certain area, the platform will suggest content to help fill those knowledge gaps. 

Bottom line: You spend less time on busywork and more time creating great training content and helping your team grow. 

9. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are relatively new in the learning and development space, so it should be no surprise that AI has now set its sights on them. In L&D, the use cases are still being developed, but so far we’re seeing:

• • Healthcare training: Medical students can simulate scenarios like surgeries, patient care practice, or medical equipment training. 

• Safety training: From construction to manufacturing, workers can learn about hazards and safety protocols in different environments. 

• Sales skills development: Reps can simulate customer interactions and practice their selling skills.

• Blending learning: SMEs can teach students from anywhere in the world with a VR-simulated classroom. 

However, challenges for implementing AR/VR modules remain, like high development costs, technological barriers, and concerns about accessibility and user adoption. 

10. Continuous learning, micro-learning, and skill development

Continuous learning (continuous training that stretches beyond onboarding) and microlearning (quick, bite-sized, on-demand learning modules) are two key aspects of a successful learning and development strategy.

AI tools can help you to create these modules by reviewing existing material and parsing out bits and pieces that could be standalone micro-modules or could be covered on a deeper level through continuous learning workshops.

With WorkRamp, you can host a variety of learning materials, including videos, quizzes, and interactive modules, suitable for both in-depth training and quick microlearning sessions. Connect WorkRamp LMS with other tools in your tech stack to create a seamless learning experience anywhere, anytime. 

Leverage AI in your learning and development program

Artificial intelligence and its place in the tech industry isn’t going anywhere—and for good reason. With so many uses in employee training—and several other industries—it’s time to start leveraging AI within your own learning and development strategies. 

WorkRamp’s LMS can help. Our all-in-one learning cloud, perfect for both employee and customer learning, has its own AI capabilities like content creation, pitch enablement, and more.