The Learning Experience Ops Show

Summary

In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, Jason Gorman interviews Donald Taylor, a prominent figure in the Learning and Development (L&D) field. They discuss the evolving landscape of L&D, the impact of technology, particularly AI, and the importance of networking and collaboration. Donald shares insights from his annual Global Sentiment Survey, highlighting trends and challenges in the profession. The conversation also delves into the Transformation Triangle, which outlines three potential future roles for L&D: skills authority, enablement partner, and adaptation engine. The episode emphasizes the need for L&D professionals to adapt to changing circumstances and to build strong relationships within their organizations.

Takeaways

• The L&D profession is evolving with technology and societal changes.
• Inclusivity has improved in L&D, but challenges remain.
• Clinging to past methods can hinder progress in L&D.
• AI is a transformative force in the future of learning.
• Building networks is crucial for success in L&D.
• The Transformation Triangle outlines future roles for L&D professionals.
• Voice recognition technology will significantly impact L&D.
• Proactive engagement is necessary for L&D to thrive.
• Understanding organizational context is key to L&D strategy.
• The human element in L&D is essential for effective learning. 

Watch the Full Episode

Tinder for L&D, 12 Years of Data- Donald Taylor on What Learning Professionals Think Is Hot and How Often They Are Wrong

Read the Blog

The L&D Field Is Changing. Here Are Your Three Options by Donald Taylor

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Dr. Luke Hobson discuss the evolving landscape of instructional design, particularly in the context of AI's impact on the field. They explore the importance of foundational skills, networking, and the challenges faced by instructional designers today. Dr. Hobson shares insights from his career journey, emphasizing the need for effective communication and project management skills. The discussion also touches on future predictions for the industry and the role of AI in enhancing learning experiences.

Takeaways

• The landscape of instructional design is rapidly changing due to technology.
• AI is reshaping the future of learning professionals.
• Networking is crucial for career advancement in instructional design.
• A strong portfolio is now essential for job seekers in the field.
• Project management skills are vital for successful instructional design.
• Effective communication can prevent project failures.
• Understanding your audience is key to designing impactful learning experiences.
• Continuous learning and upskilling are necessary in a changing job market.
• Embracing AI can enhance productivity and creativity in instructional design.
• The future of education will involve more experimentation and data-driven decisions.

Watch the Full Episode

The Field Has Changed. Have You?- Dr. Luke Hobson on What Endures, What Doesn't, and How to Stay Relevant as an Instructional Designer

Read the Blog

Before the Next Tool Changes Everything: Dr. Luke Hobson on What Has Always Mattered in Instructional Design

Summary

In this episode, Jason Gorman shares insights on starting and growing an L&D business, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to industry changes like AI and market shifts. Perfect for aspiring learning and development entrepreneurs and instructional designers considering a side hustle or full-time venture.

Key Takeaways

• Starting an L&D business from scratch
• Challenges faced by new entrepreneurs in education
• Adapting to AI and industry changes
• Effective networking and client acquisition
• Pricing and proposal strategies for freelancers

Watch the Full Episode

Starting Up Your Own L&D Business- Hosted By Dr. Luke Hobson

 

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Diane Weaver explore the evolving role of AI in our lives, particularly through the lens of Baryons, an AI companion designed to help individuals thrive. They discuss the duality of AI, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and the concept of the 'adaptation gap' that affects mental health and engagement. Diane shares her journey as a COO, the lessons learned from her career, and the vision behind Baryons. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of learning and development, emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach in the age of AI.

Takeaways

• AI can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
• The adaptation gap is a significant challenge in today's workforce.
• Flourishing is essential for mental health and productivity.
• Diane's journey highlights the importance of adaptability.
• Baryons aims to be a companion for personal transformation.
• The future of work requires a focus on human connection.
• Learning professionals must embrace AI to enhance their impact.
• Success in the future will depend on storytelling and wisdom.
• We need to prioritize mental wealth in our lives.
• Exploring different tools can lead to better outcomes.

Watch the Full Episode

Designing for Human Flourishing- Diane Weaver on AI Companions, the Adaptation Gap, and Why Learning Professionals Are Built for This Moment

Read the Blog

Diane Weaver on Flourishing in the Age of AI: Why the Future Belongs to Those Who Adapt

Summary

In this episode of The LX Ops Show, Jason Gorman sits down with Dan Streeter, CEO of Mission Fuel, to explore how AI is rapidly transforming the learning and development profession. Dan shares the pivotal moment in November 2022 when ChatGPT reshaped his vision for instructional design- and why he believes L&D professionals now have the most important job in the world. The conversation dives into automation, personalized learning, workforce disruption, and the ethical tensions surrounding AI adoption. From accelerating e-learning production to preparing for large-scale reskilling, this episode challenges learning professionals to lead in an era of unprecedented change. If you work in education, training, or workplace learning, this conversation is both a wake-up call and a call to action.

Takeaways:

• AI is accelerating instructional design faster than most anticipated.
• Automation differs dramatically from simply using AI tools manually.
• L&D professionals must lead the global reskilling transition.
• Personalized learning is becoming technologically achievable at scale.
• Ethical judgment matters more than ever in AI adoption.
• AI will disrupt white-collar jobs at unprecedented speed.
• Just-in-time learning will redefine workplace performance support.
• Human expertise remains essential for validating AI-generated learning.
• Video and robotics advancements are accelerating faster than expected.
• Learning professionals may hold the world’s most critical role today.

Watch the Full Episode

The Reskilling Imperative- Dan Streeter on Why L&D Has the Most Important Job on the Planet Right Now

Read the Blog

Dan Streeter on Why Learning Professionals have the Most Important Job on the Planet Right Now

Summary

In this episode of The Learning Experience Ops Show, Jason Gorman talks with Tom Driscoll, CEO of EdTechTeacher, about what it really takes to support educators in the age of AI. Tom challenges the hype around technology and brings the focus back to time, pedagogy, and the human core of learning. The conversation explores how schools can integrate AI responsibly without losing what makes teaching fundamentally social and powerful.

Takeaways

• Time, not money, is the biggest barrier to scaling innovation.
• Teachers need protected time to experiment and build confidence.
• Engagement matters more than doubling down on remediation drills.
• AI arrived faster than schools were prepared to handle.
• Leadership excitement often overlooks classroom realities and constraints.
• Leaders must use AI themselves before setting expectations.
• Learning is inherently social and cannot be fully automated.
• AI should support instruction, not design the entire experience.
• Schools must protect core subjects while adopting new technologies.
• The future of education requires intentional instructional design

Watch the Full Episode

Designing the Future of Teaching- Tom Driscoll on Supporting Educators, Scaling What Works, and Navigating AI Responsibly

Read the Blog

Human First, AI Second: Tom Driscoll on Supporting Teachers in an Age of Intelligent Machines

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Gorman, founder and CEO of Jackrabbit LX, discusses the importance of understanding learner context in education, the shift from content creation to consulting, and the common mistakes organizations make in instructional design. He emphasizes the need for effective measurement of learning outcomes and the integration of AI in learning environments. Gorman also highlights the significance of building relationships in business and shares his vision for empowering organizations to expand their impact.

Takeaways

• There's an over-indexing on what should the content be.
• We all have had bad online training experiences.
• Organizations need to focus on learner context.
• Good storytelling enhances learning retention.
• Measuring skills mastery is critical for success.
• AI can enhance learning experiences significantly.
• Building relationships is key to business success.
• Consulting is becoming a larger part of our services.
• Empowering organizations leads to greater impact.
• The future of learning is a work in progress.

Watch the Full Episode

Actually Impactful Learning Experiences with Jackrabbit LX- Hosted by Oliver Lief

 

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Andrea Flores explore the evolving landscape of education in the context of AI. They discuss the importance of thoughtful discourse around AI's role in education, Andrea's personal motivations and career journey, and the essential skills and mindsets needed for future challenges. The conversation delves into the need for a redesign of educational systems to better align with industry demands and the impact of education on societal outcomes. They also touch on the importance of measuring educational impact and envisioning a future where AI enhances learning experiences rather than replaces human insight.

Takeaways

• There's a need for thoughtful discourse on AI in education.
• Andrea's background in engineering influences her design thinking.
• Improving quality of life for learners is a core motivation.
• AI can augment design processes but should not replace human insight.
• Systems thinking is crucial for understanding educational ecosystems.
• Project management skills are essential in learning design.
• Curiosity and adaptability are key mindsets for educators.
• AI can help identify skills gaps in learners.
• Rethinking education requires collaboration among stakeholders.
• Measuring educational impact involves both qualitative and quantitative metrics.

Watch the Full Episode:

Episode 10: Turn School Into Problem Solving- Andrea Flores on Real World Learning That Sticks

Read the Blog

Designing for the Human Trajectory: Andrea Flores on the Future of Learning