March 10, 2025
3 Min. Read
We’re stepping into a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) amplifies the creativity, efficiency, and capabilities of learning and development (L&D) professionals across the industry. This transformation is about exploring how AI in learning empowers L&D teams to innovate and address challenges they previously had to leave for another day.
In Episode 21 of They Learn, You Win, host David Wentworth sits down with Jonathan Sorber, Director of Learning, Design, and Analysis at Sport Clips, to discuss how AI is reshaping the L&D landscape and our world at large. Let’s dive into some key takeaways from the episode.
AI is here to stay—and it won’t replace us
Like many in the L&D space, Jonathan initially worried that AI might replace roles like instructional designers and curriculum analysts. However, after exploring the tools firsthand, he came to a refreshing realization—AI doesn’t replace professionals. It enhances their creativity and frees up time for more valuable tasks.
Jonathan shares how he uses AI to create training content for topics he couldn’t prioritize. He once used ChatGPT to develop life skills resources for Sport Clips employees (tutorials on essential car maintenance, for example) without impacting mission-critical L&D initiatives.
Jonathan’s take? AI isn’t a threat to creativity. It’s a tool to accelerate mundane tasks, allowing L&D pros to focus on the creative and human aspects of their work.
The applications of AI in L&D are boundless
Jonathan sees extraordinary potential in AI-driven tools for L&D. From virtual demos to personalized training avatars, AI opens up exciting ways to enhance learning. Here are some specific applications he highlights:
- Avatars and Text-to-Speech: Jonathan used avatar software to create a virtual version of himself. After inputting a script, the software generated lifelike videos with his face and voice. He envisions using tools like these to create custom welcome videos or on-demand training modules.
- Content Creation: With AI, Jonathan and his team can quickly churn out training programs with fresh and relevant content.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Jonathan can picture a future where AR further enhances the learning experience. For instance, an employee could scan a shampoo bottle at a hair washing station to reveal AR overlays with product details, application techniques, and benefits. This creates hands-on, in-the-moment training that’s both engaging and informative.
- Customer Experiences: Beyond training, the applications of AI and AR could extend to the customer. Imagine showing a customer an AI-generated image or video of how a particular hairstyle or color might look on them.
The flexibility and scalability of AI provide endless possibilities for creating personalized, automated, and impactful training experiences.
Gamification leads the way
Jonathan’s team understands the value of motivation and competition in learning. Their next significant L&D initiative includes utilizing games and leaderboards in Schoox.
Short games embedded into eLearning courses transform tedious training tasks into fun, interactive experiences. Gamified elements like video game-style challenges and point systems keep users motivated and engaged, helping them retain information while developing practical skills they can immediately apply in their work.
It’s pretty simple: gamification makes learning fun. Pairing gamified content with AI tools further amplifies the business impact of learning and knowledge retention.
Everyone’s AI journey will be different
Jonathan emphasizes the importance of experimentation when implementing AI. Sport Clips tested virtual reality for training but found it didn’t fit their needs. Instead, augmented reality appeared to have more practical uses for them.
He stresses piloting tools in small steps to align with the organization’s unique goals rather than blindly adopting trends. He believes AI should enhance existing workflows and address specific challenges, not become a novelty for its own sake.
Start small, test thoroughly, and focus on the AI solutions that align with your team’s L&D goals.
Taking the leap into AI for Learning
AI empowers L&D teams to reclaim their time for what matters most. Jonathan’s vision for the future includes prioritizing AI, gamified learning, and tools that keep his team agile and ready to respond to evolving employee needs.
For L&D professionals wondering how to leverage AI strategically, Jonathan offers inspiration in his practical, human-centered approach. Whether drafting outlines, conducting research, or tackling repetitive work, start with the tasks you don’t want to do. Then, explore how AI can amplify the parts of the job you love, from designing training with automated avatars to virtual reality demos.
AI might seem daunting at first, but it’s a tool that empowers creativity, reduces tedious processes, and enables L&D professionals to focus on the people-first aspects of their work.
Curious about what’s possible? Tune in to the full episode of They Learn, You Win for more insights and actionable ideas to elevate your L&D strategy.
