project mission: Machine Magic. Use at least 3 AI tools to develop a short eLearning module.
The content for the lesson was created using the tools listed in this table. Click on each box to take you to the site and check it out yourself!
Background
As AI becomes integrated into our daily workflows, I felt that with my passion for training, it was important to complete a course focused on this technology within the context of learning and development.
I completed the Boise State OPWL 597: AI Tools for L&D Professionals course this Spring, with the following anticipated outcomes:
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Examine strategies to use Artificial Intelligence-powered tools as well as Generative AI to improve L&D workflows.
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Generate and evaluate workplace-oriented content using AI-powered tools and Generative AI;
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Recognize ethical concerns associated with the use of AI-powered tools and Generative AI in L&D.
The Project
We were tasked with creating a 5-7 minute eLearning module on a workplace topic of our choice. With accessibility being a subject that is near and dear to my heart, I decided to create useful learning about the importance of creating accessible LinkedIn posts.
Evidence-Based Practice​
Learning Outcome (Mager, 1997))
A user will be able to incorporate fundamental accessible and inclusive elements when composing a professional LinkedIn post.
Adult Learning Theory (Gagne and Knowles)
As a big fan of Gagné's Nine Events of Learning, I used a video to catch the learner's attention and develop the why this topic is so important (Gagné et al., 2005). The rest of the lesson relies on Knowles' theories, including experiential activity, problem-centered orientation, and need-to-know (Merriam & Bierema, 2013). ​​
Observations
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There really is no silver bullet that addresses all of the needs. but you must creatively combine the AI tools with some of the staid, reliable platforms.
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Prompt engineering is critical for managing bias. When using Firefly I find that you never know which race or gender will come up in the image. However, I found that when I entered the term "manager" into another model, it tended to generate male images. This bias was well described in the phenomenon of requesting images of nurses. Because of the historical data on the Internet that feeds the LLM, most image are of women - UNLESS you were to use a prompt such as "modern nurse".
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It can be a steep learning curve to learn some of the tools.
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The apps/platforms have a long way to go from a UX perspective. They are just missing some fundamental features that make it hard to use the product. For example, the process to create the video was really complex:
While I really liked the script and flow of my initial Invideo creation, I simply couldn’t get the right images to match correctly to the pace of the narrator. Then, when I started to modify the script, suddenly the narrator’s voice went completely flat.
So I took the following steps:
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Copied the script from Invideo.
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Created a talking head video in HeyGen. However, I didn’t want his image throughout the entire video, so I split the script into two parts, a woman and man’s voice. For the man’s part, I created multiple short talking head videos.
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I used eLeven Labs to create the woman’s voice and added all media to iMovie.
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I then added AI-generated images plus stock images from iStock (not paid for, pardon the watermarks) to iMovie to create the visuals for portion narrated by the woman (I named the voices Eric and Sarah, not sure why!).
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I took this final video and added it to Veed.io to get the closed captioning.
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Finally, and this is the crowning moment, I discovered a tool called Mindsmith. This was probably the most mind-blowing of all. Following a few simple steps, I had a very solid beginning to a complete eLearning module!!
References
Gagné, R. M., Wager, W., Golas, K. C., Keller, J. M., & Russell, J. D. (2005). Principles of instructional design, 5th edition. Performance Improvement, 44(2), 44–46. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4140440211
Mager, R. (1997). Preparing instructional objectives: A critical tool in the development ofeffective instruction (3rd ed.). Atlanta, GA: CEP Press.
Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2013). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.