As learning and development (L&D) professionals, it's crucial to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and methodologies. One such game-changer is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in L&D programs. However, to truly harness the potential of AI, we must approach it with a unique perspective – one that draws from the principles of theater.
Chuck Sigmund, Chief Game Changer at ProMobile BI, and Josh Penzell, Co-founder of Theater Think and VP of AI Solutions at ELB Learning, have pioneered an innovative approach to AI conversations that leverages theater principles to create engaging and authentic learning experiences.
By casting AI as a co-generative partner rather than a mere answer engine, L&D professionals can direct AI to develop tailored solutions for their unique business problems.
The key to this approach lies in understanding the difference between artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence. AI is not a standalone entity capable of making decisions independently; rather, it is a tool that augments human intelligence based on the knowledge and context provided by the user. This paradigm shift allows L&D professionals to collaborate with AI, guiding it to generate solutions that align with their specific needs.
To effectively direct AI conversations, Sigmund and Penzell propose a five-step process inspired by theater:
- Choose the play: Identify the business problem or context you aim to address.
- Set the scene: Provide the AI with relevant background information, such as company details and specific challenges.
- Cast the actors: Assign personas to the AI, enabling it to approach the problem from various perspectives (e.g., strategic consultant, instructional designer, CEO, customer).
- Ask and suggest: Dialogue with the AI, providing feedback and guidance to refine the proposed solutions.
- Lock the script: Once satisfied with the AI-generated solution, create a comprehensive prompt that encapsulates the entire conversation, allowing for easy replication and sharing.
By following this process, L&D professionals can unlock AI's true potential, creating customized learning solutions that address their unique challenges. The more specific and detailed the information provided to the AI, the more targeted and effective the solutions will be.
This approach enables L&D professionals to build a library of prompts tailored to their organization's needs, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.
By sharing these prompts, L&D teams can efficiently develop learning programs that align with their business objectives and drive meaningful results.
As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's essential for L&D professionals to embrace this technology and explore innovative ways to integrate it into their programs. By adopting a theater-inspired approach to AI conversations, L&D teams can create authentic, engaging, and effective learning experiences that resonate with their audience and drive organizational success.
"The integration of AI in L&D is not about replacing human expertise but rather augmenting it through collaborative, authentic conversations." - Sigmund and Penzell
By directing AI using theater principles, L&D professionals can unlock a world of possibilities, creating learning solutions that are both smart and artful. As the curtain rises on the future of L&D, it's time to step into the spotlight and embrace the power of AI-driven innovation.
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