Learning While Working Podcast

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Stella Lee unpacks her comprehensive competency framework for AI, crafted especially for learning and development professionals. The conversation covers everything from the AI fundamentals to the crucial aspects of data fluency, and the ethical implications to know about. Stella's framework emphasises the need for a mindset that balances adaptability and critical analysis.

About Susan Stocker

With over 20 years of experience in the e-learning and edtech industry, Stella Lee is a director at Paradox Learning, a consulting firm that provides and evaluates innovative learning solutions across multiple devices, cultures, and platforms. Stella works with clients from various sectors, such as government, education, non-profit, and corporate, to help them achieve their learning and development goals with data-driven and technology-enabled approaches.

Key takeaways:

• The AI Competency Framework: covering seven areas, it is designed to deepen our understanding of artificial intelligence and its implications in the learning and development sector. The concepts cover: data fluency, diverse use cases, critical thinking, ethics, AI in education, and the future of work.
• Cultivate a deeper understanding of AI's implications, which includes ethical considerations, and its potential impact on future work structures, which would allow L&D professionals to prepare and adapt accordingly.
• Having multiple mindsets towards AI, such as adaptability and openness, and the value of starting from one's current level of understanding to contribute to collective learning in AI. Be aware of individual responsibility in fostering an environment of ongoing education and critical engagement with emerging technologies.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:16) Thinking ethically about AI and preparing for future

(08:21) The AI competency framework: 7 areas of focus

(10:30) Future collaboration with AI

(16:34) Using AI to develop strategy and educational piece

(20:24) Reflecting on work and considering broader implications

(25:39) Embrace multiple mindsets and experiment

(27:24) Health care innovation will influence other fields

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Stella Lee on LinkedIn
• Visit Stella’s Website
• Download the AI Literacy Competency Framework for Educators & L&D Professional
• Download the AI Adoption Framework for L&D
• Read ‘AI Literacy: Implications for L&D’

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Terry Pearce, the founder of Unfold Play, joins the show for a discussion on engaging learning through play. Terry shares strategies for game-based learning and the six levers that make games effective for learning. He also gives examples of how putting learners at the centre of the learning experience can transform seemingly dry content into engaging and effective learning activities.

About Terry Pearce

Terry Pearce founded Untold Play to bring together his twin passions of learning design and games. Terry leverages the power of games and gamification in learning, and he regularly weaves the principles of game-based learning into the learning experiences he creates. He has won awards, through the London NHS Modernisation Agency, Reed Learning and the Healthcare People Management Association, for the services I deliver to clients, including HSBC, Imperial College Hospital, Thames Water and Zurich.

Key takeaways:

• Putting learners at the centre: Games engage learners by making them the protagonists, setting open challenges, letting them explore, embracing failure, offering meaningful choices, and nudging them towards desired behaviours. This shift places the focus on the learner and encourages active participation in the learning process.
• Debriefing for reflection: Terry stressed the significance of debriefing in learning experiences. The "What happened, So what, Now what" framework allows learners to process their experiences, make generalisations, and consider behavioural changes as they apply their learnings to real-world scenarios.
• Transform Deck: Terry introduced the Transform Deck of learning design cards, which is a valuable tool for creating engaging, learner-centred activities. The deck serves as a point of inspiration for turning content into interactive, experiential learning experiences, providing a spectrum of options beyond traditional games and gamification.

Segmented time stamps:

• (00:00) Introduction
• (04:56) Games thrive on failure, meaningful choices and nudges
• (09:18) Embrace play and games for healthy benefits
• (11:08) Creating engaging learning experiences through interactive games
• (14:54) Virtual escape room featuring games-based learning
• (18:41) Dice game simulates cultural immersion and adaptation
• (22:15) Deck of cards for inspiring learner-focused activities
• (25:12) Align objectives, culture, and methods for learning

Links from the podcast:

• Connect with Terry on LinkedIn
• Visit Terry’s Website
• Check out The Transform Deck
• Read more about The Six Levers

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Gregg Eiler, Senior Manager for Learning and Development at Powin, unpacks how motivation, clarity, and leadership interact to boost employee performance. Gregg also dives into the art of coaching, sharing actionable insights from his own experiences that redefine how to build expertise within L&D teams. Find out why it’s about being more than just an instructional designer – it's about being a business problem solver with a curious mindset.

About Gregg Eiler

Gregg Eiler is the Senior Manager for Learning and Development at Powin, where he built the company’s L&D operations from the ground up. He is an experienced Instructional Designer and Performance Improvement Expert with over 15 years of expertise, collaborating with global industry leaders to create impactful learning solutions. Greg’s particular passion lies in optimising performance ecosystems, focusing on elements such as motivation, bandwidth expansion, deliberate practice, coaching, and feedback.

Key takeaways:

• Embrace the problem-solver mindset: Learning and Development goes beyond training; it's about being a strategic problem solver who aligns with business objectives.
• The power of coaching: Gregg leverages coaching to unlock the potential of industry experts, building their capability to ask challenging questions and pivot their perspective.
• Curiosity as a capability: Encourage curiosity within your L&D teams – it's the driving force that fosters accountability and a sharp focus on solving core business problems.

Segmented time stamps:

• (03:58) Accountability, progress, and curiosity in sports coaching.
• (07:40) Consider multiple factors before investing time.
• (13:00) Encouraging curiosity, coaching and using templates.
• (15:52) Question to envision future success and set expectations.
• (18:29) Advocates design thinking for a user-centred approach.
• (20:12) Prototyping and testing essential for effective solutions.
• (24:29) Improve business skills through coaching.
• (27:10) Respecting opinions and styles while offering feedback.

Links from the podcast:

• Connect with Greg on LinkedIn
• Visit Greg’s Website

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Andrea Laus explores the importance of role plays for developing crucial human skills, the potential pitfalls in traditional role play designs, and the transformative impact of a digital approach to role plays guided by technology. Andrea als unpacks how AI can enhance role plays, improve the feedback process, and ultimately revolutionise the L&D landscape.

About Andrea Laus

Andrea Laus has spent the last 20 years developing effective strategies for talent development. He is the CEO of SkillGym, which designs state-of-the-art digital role plays for rebalancing knowledge-based training approaches with actionable practice. He regularly shares his ideas about effective training methodologies and strategies through his blog, and speaks at several HR and L&D conferences around the world on these fascinating subjects.

Key takeaways:

• The importance of role plays in learning experiences: Andrea shares how it's crucial for developing human skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It also creates a safe environment for practising real-life scenarios
• On the challenges and misconceptions about role plays: Learners often feel judged and uncomfortable during role plays. There is a common misconception too that soft skills are “soft” – in reality they require dedicated effort and practice. It helps to understand these barriers so you can create the best learning environment.
• The application of technology and AI: Andrea highlights that, when used thoughtfully, technology can have a very positive impact. AI can help generate dialogues and responses, standardised and effective feedback, and it can assist in tracking and analysing learner actions. However, it is vital to select the right technology for specific learning objectives.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:05) Handling the feeling of judgement in role plays

(07:06) Leveraging role plays for sense making in learning

(12:15) Practice with digital standardised and accelerates improvement

(17:50) Supervise generative AI for writing dialogues

(23:39) Measure and improve with technology-driven feedback

(26:37) Utilise strategies, trust the process, embrace technology

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Andrea Laus on LinkedIn
• Check out SkillGym
• Watch the recording of the Upskilling Using Artificial Intelligence: AI Digital Role Play webinar

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Susan Stocker uncovers the world of computational thinking and its relevance in the age of artificial intelligence. With the skills gap becoming a concern in the era of AI and data-driven decision making, Susan's research on computational thinking in the workplace is timely and informative. Listen, as we explore what computational thinking is, the importance of critical thinking, and how these skills can shape our approach to problem-solving in the age of AI.

About Susan Stocker

Susan Stocker is a Digital Transformation L&D Consultant where she helps organisations quickly change and get ahead of the skills and capability curve. She is committed to hands-on learning that enables teams to accelerate their success and companies to retain their people. She is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Certified Product Owner, Certified Scrum Master, and Certified BADIR Citizen Analyst.

Key takeaways:

• Computational Thinking and AI in the Workplace: Computational thinking is a key skill in the age of AI and data-driven decision-making, so reflect on how you can build the relationship between these skills.
• Reimagining Work and Learning with AI: it’s an exciting time to rethink work in strategic areas for impactful organisational change as we are incorporating AI in day-to-day work and collaborating with the business.
• The skills gap in computational thinking is a real concern. According to Susan's research, a significant percentage of people in the workplace lack critical and computational thinking skills. As professionals, we need to develop these skills to effectively work with AI and data.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:46) The struggle with critical and computational thinking

(10:01) Value drivers for AI transformation in business

(11:33) Understanding AI's use cases and problem-solving approach

(15:09) Moving beyond technical AI to include critical thinking and behavioural responses

(20:29) Rethinking work

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Susan Stocker on LinkedIn
• Visit the Aryng Website
• Read Boston Consulting report Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier: Field Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Worker Productivity and Quality
• Read Ethan Mollich thoughts the Boston Consulting report Centaurs and Cyborgs on the Jagged Frontier

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Eliza Cani, a learning designer at LearnWorlds, explores the topic of using ChatGPT for learning designers. Eliza shares valuable insights on how AI can be integrated into course design, the importance of prompting skills, and the future trends that can revolutionise the field

About Eliza Cani

Eliza Cani is an eLearning Designer at LearnWorlds, and an experienced public speaker with a background in IT. She started her career at LearnWorlds as a member of the support team where she demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the platform and the ability to solve customer issues fast and efficiently. Over the years, Eliza has helped hundreds of trainers and course creators create engaging learning materials and deliver them effectively.

Key takeaways:

• Prompt engineering and engaging with ChatGPT: there is a need for precise and specific prompts, e.g. specifying course duration, target audience, tone of voice, key takeaways, etc. Consider also the audience needs and preferences in prompts, as well as regularly reflecting on prompts over time to improve outcomes.
• Future trends in course design: expect more integrations of AI with platforms, including learning management systems and learning content systems. There will be less use of conversational interfaces, such as ChatGPT, and conversational AI will become more embedded in tools and platforms, to make AI more accessible to all users.
• Overall advice for Learning Designers working with AI: don’t be afraid to use AI tools. Start with simple tasks and gradually explore more capabilities so you can understand how AI complements and enhances the work of learning designers.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:22) ChatGPT as an efficient and creative tool for content summarisation

(04:22) Simplifying learning theories for all

(09:59) How to talk to AI tools by being advanced and precise

(13:26) Having a customised approach based on audience and goals

(15:14) How AI tools enhance learning design and why you need to understand their impact

(18:15) Tools that facilitate course design and integration seamlessly

(21:32) How AI won't replace designers

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Eliza Cani on LinkedIn
• Find out more about LearnWorlds
• Do the free Master ChatGPT: Supercharge Your Course Design With AI course

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Pedram Parasmand shares his insights on using AI tools for workshop designs and emphasises the importance of not relying on AI to do the creative work for you, but rather using it as a thought partner and brainstorming tool.

He shares his experience with Chat GPT and Copy AI, highlighting how he trains these AI generative tools on his own methodology to support workshop design. He also explores the potential of using AI-powered transcription tools like Otter AI for analysis and evaluation.

About Pedram Parasmand

Pedram Parasmand is The Co-Founder and CEO of Skills Lab and has over 11 years experience working with executive teams to new entrants in the corporate, public, third and education sectors. Pedram has partnered with clients such as Accenture, Barclays Bank, Mind, Ministry of Justice, Red Bull, The European Union Commission, and The British Council. Previously, Pedram worked in Leadership Development at the education charity Teach First and started his career as a high school Science teacher.

Key takeaways:

• Don't rely on AI to do the creative work for you: Pedram emphasises the importance of trusting your own human instincts and using AI as a support system or brainstorming tool. AI can enhance your workshop design process, but it can never replace your skills as a facilitator.
• Align AI with your specific challenges: When incorporating AI into your workshops, consider your pain points and processes. Explore how AI can assist you in addressing those challenges and improving your facilitation techniques. AI should complement your objectives, not replace them.
• Train AI in your methodology: Pedram shares his experience with training AI tools like Copy AI in his own workshop design methodology. By giving detailed prompts and instructions, you can teach AI to analyse transcripts, identify pains and gains, and generate audience-friendly content.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:53) AI aids in designing workshops for newbies

(05:46) Using tools like Otter AI that summarise, analyse, and evaluate conversations

(07:01) How evaluation is flexible with various data points

(12:57) Generate ideas for workshop objectives and refine later

(16:44) Workshop structured like a story for growth

(19:22) Finding ways to removes manual tasks

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Pedram on LinkedIn
• Visit the Skills Lab’s Website
• Check out Copy AI
• Check out Otter AI

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Marco de Rossi discusses the current issues with digital learning in workplaces, such as the misalignment between how we naturally learn as lifelong learners and how organisations push out content-driven learning. Tune in as we delve into social learning, synchronous vs. asynchronous activities, and how Generative AI is proving to be a valuable tool for L&D experts.

About Marco de Rossi

Marco de Rossi is the CEO of WeSchool, a learning platform that helps teams launch effective training in a user-friendly environment no matter their technical skills.

Key takeaways:

• The challenges in digital learning in workplaces: there is a misalignment between how people learn in workplaces and how they naturally learn as lifelong learners. Learning is often seen as a buzzword, but not integrated into daily behaviours, so there needs to be a shift where learning becomes the responsibility of every team, not just HR.
• The people-centric approach: learning should be woven into everyday tasks and the focus should be on building communities and fostering social learning.
• Balancing cost-effectiveness and effectiveness: on-demand, self-paced learning may be cheaper, but it is not always effective. Cohort-based models and synchronous structures are important for critical learning experiences, like onboarding. Think about how a mix of cost-effective and quality-focused solutions can coexist.
• The role of AI can be a valuable tool for supporting learning design skills. E.g. conversational generative AI makes it easier for everyone to design engaging learning experiences.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) What is wrong with digital learning?

(03:21) Marco’s vision of what great digital learning looks like

(06:27) Why self-paced learning is not always the best solution

(08:19) Conversational generative AI

(11:16) The importance of instructional design skills

(15:13) Adaptive learning

(18:00) AI make it easier for more people to access learning experiences

(19:23) Overcoming the current problems of digital learning

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Marco de Rossi on LinkedIn
• Visit WeSchool
• Learn more about WeShool by watching this video
• Read Robin blog post on What would happen if digital learning were more expensive than face-to-face training?

In this episode of the Learning While Working podcast Rustica Lamb and Robin explore how to leverage AI as a powerful tool to enhance your productivity and creativity, learn how to effectively prompt, and stay conscious of the ethical implications of AI in the learning and working sphere.

She has recently run the Elab AI program, which aimed to introduce a series of AI tools to learning professionals. It tested and evaluated various AI tools and discovered their potential to save significant amounts of time for learning designers.

About Rustica Lamb

Rustica Lamb is a hands-on learning professional who is passionate about experimenting with new technologies and exploring how they can transform learning. She is the founder of Bloom Learning Technologies, an international award-winning learning technologies company that is bringing the cost of elearning way, way down. They help organisations create engaging learning experiences, whilst supporting the business and budget goals.

Key takeaways:

• Learning Designers can save about 40-60 hours per month through AI tools. By using this saved time, L&D professionals can focus on improving quality and fostering creativity. It is important to remember that AI does not replace the expertise and insights of learning designers, so there needs to be human involvement along the process.
• Embracing AI in workplace learning is crucial for staying relevant, and Rustica points out that it is similar to the transition from traditional to e-learning.
• There is a need for expert guidance and coaching when using AI, to ensure accurate and reliable results from AI systems and maximising their potential in learning design.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) The importance of spending time playing with the tools

(01:19) What is the eLab.ai program?

(02:23) Key takeaways and insights from eLab.ai

(04:13) Why humans won’t be replaced by AI

(06:41) Generating the ‘core skeleton’

(11:25) Where creativity sits in the world of AI

(15:25) The importance of coaching

(18:23) Rustica’s greatest gem of wisdom about using AI tools for learning design

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Rustica on LinkedIn
• Visit the Bloom Technologies website
• Find out more eLab.ai
• Read ‘Scary Smart’ by Mo Gawdat
• Explore Futurepedia
• Listen to Moonshots & Mindsets
• Listen to Augmented reality for learning with Rustica Lamb

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Markus Bernhardt explores AI discussions with learning technology vendors, and the important topics of understanding the different types of AI being deployed and the value they add. We also touch on the critical role of training data and its reliability in AI solutions, and the rush toward generative AI and its impact on long-term strategic thinking.

About Markus Bernhardt

As a Fellow of the Learning Performance Institute (LPI) and member of both the Forbes Technology Council and HBR Advisory Council, Markus Bernhardt is recognised as a global authority for AI and Learning. Markus is an accomplished author, panellist, and speaker. His leadership experience as CEO spans the direction of a for-profit educational institution as well as the stewardship of a charitable educational institution in the UK, with significant contributions in both executive and non-executive board roles.

Key takeaways:

• Discerning between generative and non-generative AI deployment is essential for understanding AI's contribution to learning. It is beneficial for instructional designers, expediting tasks like summarising content, crafting questions, and facilitating collaboration with subject matter experts.
• The ideal landscape has AI-powered tools that offer real-time support, drawing from an organisation's internal data to provide personalised performance assistance.
• Adaptive learning journeys emerge as an exciting application, using AI to tailor learning experiences to individual strengths and weaknesses, thus enhancing learning outcomes.

Segmented time stamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:38) Navigating the marketplace for technologies and solutions for the learning space

(05:22) The impact of the ‘sudden’ rush of AI

(09:46) Internal training of data

(15:23) The way we work with language models in organisations and workplaces

(19:13) interesting AI applications in L&D at the moment

Links from the podcast

• Connect with Markus Bernhardt on LinkedIn
• Read Markus article on 5 Key Questions to Ask AI Vendors & How to Understand the Answers
• Read all of Markus Learning Guild articles