Adaptable mindset is crucial, according to CIPD Head of Learning
According to the 2023 Learning at Work survey conducted by the CIPD, only 5% of learning and development (L&D) professionals currently utilise AI tools like ChatGPT to facilitate learning. However, over half (55%) of L&D leaders claim to be pioneering new advancements in technology.
The survey revealed that 68% of L&D leaders believe they have been successful in leveraging available learning technologies. However, as of February 2023, only 1 in 20 learning functions were using AI tools, and just 6% have plans to incorporate them within the next year.
Despite the widespread coverage of AI in the workplace and its potential for HR tasks, Michelle Parry-Slater, L&D Director at Kairos Modern Learning, explained that widespread adoption of AI in development activities will only occur when it can effectively address specific learning challenges. She stated in an interview: “Until we, in L&D, have a real need to get involved and learn about AI, it will just trundle along in the background. That said, I don’t think AI is going away.”
Parry-Slater expressed her belief that while AI will not replace the need for human involvement in L&D, it may have a role in generating learning content if the professionals utilising it possess the necessary skills. She emphasised the importance of creating the right prompts to develop learning content quickly, stating, “The skill [for L&D professionals and learners] will not be in using AI but in creating the right prompts to create learning content at speed. If we don’t write the right prompts, the learning content will be wrong.” she also suggested that the future of L&D would likely involve a combination of AI and other tools, explaining, “What we’re beginning to understand is all these things play a part of the story.”
Parry-Slater expressed confidence that L&D functions will be capable of adapting once AI becomes more prevalent in learning, citing the swift adoption of digital learning practices during the pandemic as evidence. She added, “L&D upskilled to being digital because we had to, and people realised the values.”
Andy Lancaster, Head of Learning at the CIPD, believes that this adaptable mindset will be crucial for L&D professionals to continue innovating with technology and learning delivery. He emphasised the need for learning practitioners to engage in consultative discussions, utilise data and insights, and foster innovative approaches to provide accessible solutions, particularly in addressing new ways of working and digital skills post-pandemic.
The CIPD’s 2023 Learning at Work survey collected responses from 1,108 individuals involved in supporting workplace learning.
