Organizations have taken advantage of advancements in AI to create more effective learning experiences that optimize knowledge retention and real-world applicability.
To explore these shifts, we sat down with Eric Dingler, former Chief Learning Officer at Deloitte, who shared his insights on how AI is actively reshaping personalized learning, the role of human facilitators alongside AI agents, and why L&D leaders must embrace change sooner than later.
Data analysis is a must when personalizing learner experiences
L&D leaders recognize the growing demand for personalized learning experiences driven by employee expectations. Teams understand that, just as individuals now expect customized consumer experiences, they also seek tailored professional growth opportunities. Eric explains, "Think about how we personalize our sneakers or how social media algorithms build around our likes and preferences; the same level of personalization was expected in a learner's professional growth."
However, the challenge is scaling these experiences for the company’s 450,000+ employees. Before AI, this meant L&D leaders manually created recommended learning paths—curated content aligned with both personal growth and strategic company objectives. But, "Creating personalized development plans across a massive, global workforce is no easy feat," Eric noted. "With AI, personalization is no longer manual; it becomes a smart, automated process that optimizes both time spent learning and the outcomes achieved."
Alongside AI, learning personalization will be rooted in data—and lots of it. Access to learner assessment, project, and work experience data will help AI infer a level of proficiency, then allow it to create a recommended learning pathway. The technology can also develop paths based on how an employee wants to grow their career. "It's an evolving process. It'll take time to fully realize it, but the potential is there," Eric said.
The relationship of AI agents and human facilitators
AI can take over many traditional facilitator roles, particularly in delivering just-in-time learning. Eric shared the example of an AI agent—autonomous programs that collect data from their environment to make rational decisions and achieve predetermined goals—who could analyze learner-written content during a program on navigating difficult conversations. The model might flag moments where the learner's tone suggests frustration and prompt the facilitator to support them. "The AI agent has given the facilitator a piece of knowledge exactly when they needed it—that really transforms the learning experience."
AI agents are powerful for in-the-moment interventions, suggesting alternate learning paths and reinforcing content. Human facilitators, however, remain key for deeper coaching and helping learners master soft skills like empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence, turning new skills into qualities learners can take with them throughout their careers.
Register for our webinar to hear more from Eric on AI agents and their impact on L&D.
L&D's leaders must stay curious and be learners themselves
When it comes to implementing AI in L&D, you can’t wait much longer.
"AI is evolving at a rapid pace, and waiting to jump on board means getting left behind," Eric warns. Organizations need to start experimenting, even in small ways, and embrace the platforms that can propel them forward. AI challenges L&D professionals to think differently and become better advisors to their organizations.
Eric envisions a fundamental shift in the concept of learning itself over the next five to ten years.
"The traditional concept of a 'course' is changing," he says. "Learning is moving from finite paths towards an ongoing journey—a personalized thread that supports learners in real time, driving better retention and more impactful skills development."
These personalized threads have already produced results—an initiative by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Education has implemented an AI tutor to tailor lessons and support individual student needs. A pilot program has already produced a 10% increase in learning outcomes.This also allows facilitators to spend more time focusing on the strategic planning of learning journeys.
Another significant change will be in content creation. "AI dramatically alters the speed and quality of building learning materials," Eric explains. L&D teams will be able to do more with less, and do it faster. To support these changes, L&D leaders need to focus on leveraging AI for meaningful analysis—tracking learner progress and responding with agility. "L&D leaders must also focus on prompt engineering skills—knowing how to interact with AI to get the best outcomes. It’s a partnership between people and technology," Eric says. These changes from static to dynamic and responsive learning experiences are ultimately more impactful.
Looking ahead
AI won’t replace human facilitators, but rather, enhance their ability to deliver personalized, job-relevant learning at scale. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, AI agents offer promising opportunities to reimagine responsive pathways that were previously out of reach. As L&D professionals adapt to this new landscape, they must experiment to cultivate strategic AI capabilities and drive stronger outcomes for their learners and organizations.
To learn more from Eric and how AI agents can power your L&D programs, sign up for our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, October 30 at 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET. Or skip the wait and explore Uplimit's AI-powered learning programs by requesting a demo.