{"id":142323,"date":"2026-01-22T11:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T16:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trainingindustry.com\/?post_type=magazine&p=142323"},"modified":"2026-01-22T11:53:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T16:53:00","slug":"when-ai-meets-the-human-side-of-workplace-learning","status":"publish","type":"magazine","link":"https:\/\/trainingindustry.com\/magazine\/winter-2026\/when-ai-meets-the-human-side-of-workplace-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"When AI Meets the Human-Side of Workplace Learning"},"author":52,"featured_media":90197,"template":"","tags":[36523,3984,34076],"class_list":["post-142323","magazine","type-magazine","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-empathy-in-training","tag-future-of-learning","tag-responsible-ai","global_topic_tax-artificial-intelligence","global_topic_tax-content-development","magazine_issue_tax-winter-2026","magazine_article_type_tax-culture-and-well-being","magazine_article_type_tax-thought-leader"],"acf":{"sponsored":false,"gated":false,"gated_content_type":"","file_attachment":null,"gated_content":"","form_instruction_header":"To access the full article, please fill out the form below:","pardot_html_embed":"","author_override":true,"author_name":"Dr. Kristal Walker, CPTM","author_image":"","author_bio":"Dr. Kristal Walker, CPTM, SHRM-CP, is the vice president of learning and talent development at Sweetwater Sound. Kristal is also a facilitator for \u00a0Training Industry\u2019s Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM)<\/a>\u00a0program.","excerpt":"AI can accelerate learning design, but only humans can create training that connects emotionally and drives real change.","main_content":"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impressive. It enables learning and development (L&D) practitioners to create courses in seconds, complete with well-crafted outlines, objectives, knowledge checks, metrics, job aids and other essential training elements. From a technical perspective, AI can become a trainer\u2019s superpower.\r\n\r\nBut we know there is so much more to making an impact in training than an impressive design structure. Behind every training experience is a person with unique motivations, experiences and emotions that no algorithm can fully comprehend. While AI can personalize what people see, it cannot personalize what people feel.\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s our opportunity: We must reclaim the human role in AI-assisted learning.\r\n

Balancing Efficiency With Human Touch<\/h2>\r\nEfficiency has always been a priority in the world of L&D. However, when we treat efficiency strictly as a transactional experience to meet deadlines, we miss the opportunity for meaningful learning moments.\r\n\r\nCreating content faster does not necessarily mean it is of higher quality. For example, AI can generate case studies for your training, but the output could potentially reinforce stereotypes. AI can provide automated feedback, but the responses generated could be sterile or dismissive.\r\n\r\nWhen you facilitate a live instructor-led session and one of your learners is struggling, it\u2019s you who can most effectively discern these variables and pivot accordingly. Efficiency certainly has its place in L&D, and AI can support it; however, we should question whether efficiency alone is the goal.\r\n

Sustaining Our Humanity in Workplace Learning<\/h2>\r\nDespite the growing concern that AI may replace humans, the reality is that it cannot. If we are not intentional about remaining curious, present and engaged in our roles, we risk losing the critical thinking that makes our work valuable.\r\n\r\nThe good news is that there are practical ways to sustain our humanity in the workplace learning environment. Here are three methods:\r\n

Keep Empathy and Well-Being at the Center<\/h3>\r\nAllow yourself to feel or experience what the learner may be feeling or experiencing. Ask yourself:\r\n