In the rapidly evolving landscape of corporate training, the conversation often centres on how technology replaces old methods. However, according to Dr Wanda Gene Jones, AI Learning Strategy and Curriculum Leader at Adobe, the real revolution is not about changing how we learn, but how quickly we can remove the obstacles in a learner’s path.
In a recent episode of the Future of EdTech podcast, Dr Jones joined Jamil from Open eLMS to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence, instructional design, and the human element of workplace development. With a background spanning aviation electronics and curriculum development, Dr Jones brings a unique, engineering-led perspective to how we "birth" new skills in the modern workforce.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
- AI as a Friction Remover: AI’s primary role is to accelerate prototyping and eliminate "blank page syndrome," allowing L&D professionals to move from idea to execution in moments, revolutionising corporate training.
- L&D as Labor and Delivery: Learning is less about information transfer and more about building confidence and "birthing" new capabilities within employees, a core focus for any effective learning management system (LMS).
- From Courses to Experiences: The industry is shifting away from static, 30-minute e-learning modules towards immersive, practice-based experiences that include coaching and feedback, enhancing employee training platforms.
- Vibe Coding and Edutainment: AI tools now allow non-programmers to create games and simulations through natural language, making "edutainment" more accessible than ever for e-learning content creation.
- The Lego Block Model: Future-ready content should be designed as modular "Lego blocks" rather than fixed "statues," allowing AI to assemble bespoke learning paths for individual needs, a key feature of advanced corporate LMS solutions.
- Psychological Safety: As AI becomes more intrusive, maintaining empathy and psychological safety for the learner remains the most important design principle in EdTech.
Removing the Friction from Learning
One of the most profound insights from Dr Jones is that AI is not fundamentally changing the biological process of learning. Instead, it is changing the speed at which we can remove friction. In a corporate environment, friction often looks like repetitive work, slow content production cycles, or generic training that does not quite meet the learner's specific needs.
By leveraging AI, L&D managers can significantly reduce the time spent on administrative tasks and focus on surfacing knowledge transfer. Whether it is through rapid prototyping or personalising practice sessions, AI allows the "cerebral" work of an instructional designer to take centre stage, moving away from the manual labour of traditional content assembly. This is precisely where an AI-powered LMS like Open eLMS excels, streamlining the creation and delivery of engaging e-learning experiences.
The Shift from Information to Confidence
Dr Jones proposes a refreshing take on the acronym L&D. Rather than Learning and Development, she views it as Labor and Delivery. This perspective shifts the focus from the content itself to the outcome: the birth of a new skill.
In this model, the goal of an LMS is not just to host a library of videos, but to facilitate the growth of confidence. When a learner masters a new skill, their confidence increases, which in turn transforms their performance. AI supports this by providing immediate feedback and opportunities for "edutainment," keeping learners engaged through storytelling and interactive elements rather than passive consumption. Open eLMS understands this crucial shift, designing our platform to foster genuine skill development and learner confidence.
Vibe Coding: The End of the Technical Barrier
A significant barrier to high-quality e-learning has historically been the need for specialist technical skills, such as game programming or complex animation. Dr Jones highlights the rise of "vibe coding," a process where creators use AI to build interactive games and simulations simply by describing them in natural language.
This democratisation of content creation means that an L&D professional can now be "every woman" or "every man," pulling together sophisticated experiences without a team of developers. This aligns perfectly with the capabilities of the Open eLMS Learning Generator, which utilises AI to create custom e-learning courses, videos, and gamification elements in a matter of minutes, empowering L&D teams to scale their content creation efforts efficiently.
Moving Toward Modular Learning
The traditional "SCORM package" (a standard file format for e-learning) is often compared to a finished marble statue: beautiful, but impossible to change once it is carved. Dr Jones suggests that the future of EdTech lies in a modular approach, or "Lego blocks."
Instead of one long, linear course, content should be broken down into individual assets, such as a short video, a job aid, or a quiz question. When these assets are properly tagged with metadata, an AI-powered LMS can pull them from a "content bank" to create a bespoke experience for each learner. If one person prefers video and another prefers interactive games, the system can assemble the appropriate "blocks" on the fly. This level of personalisation is a hallmark of the Open eLMS platform, ensuring relevant and engaging corporate training.
The Importance of Psychological Safety
Despite the technological leaps, the human element remains paramount. Dr Jones emphasises that "Maslow still wins," referring to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. For learning to occur, an employee must feel psychologically safe.
In the era of AI, many employees fear being replaced or looking incompetent in front of their peers. L&D leaders must design experiences with empathy, ensuring that technology is used to support and coach rather than to monitor or intimidate. Reducing the emotional load on the learner is essential for helping them move forward and embrace digital transformation. At Open eLMS, our AI solutions are designed to enhance, not replace, the human connection in learning, fostering a supportive environment for all learners.
Conclusion: A Partnership for the Future
The insights shared by Dr Wanda Gene Jones highlight a clear path forward for the industry. By combining AI-powered efficiency with human-centred design, organisations can create learning environments that are not only effective but truly transformative.
At Open eLMS, we have been at the forefront of this innovation since 2003. We understand that a truly effective L&D strategy requires a one-supplier solution that integrates personnel management, live learning, and advanced AI content creation. Our AI-powered LMS stands out in the EdTech landscape, offering unparalleled capabilities for corporate training.
Whether you are looking to reduce training costs, manage compliance, or leverage the latest in AI-driven course generation, we are here to act as your trusted partner. Our platform is designed to make L&D leaders look good by delivering measurable ROI and engaging, high-quality learning experiences, addressing key pain points for HR directors and L&D managers alike.
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