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Hi! I'm JD, and I've been applying artificial intelligence (AI) in my practices for 10+ years as an L&D pro, advisor and technologist. Through my work with Axonify and LearnGeek, I help L&D and EX professionals adopt an AI-enabled mindset as they explore new ways to enable people through modern technology.


LearnGeek core tech principles help us make people-focused decisions as we apply digital tools to transform the learning and working experience. 

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Grounded. We fit tech into the flow of everyday work.
Equitable. We make sure everyone has a chance to do their best.
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LearnGeek AI

Get advice on your modern learning practices from my custom GPT. LearnGeek AI is trained on 10+ years of my content, insights and experience, including The Modern Learning EcosystemIt's just like chatting with me - Back to the Future references included! 

CHAT WITH LEARNGEEK AI

ChatGPT Plus subscription required.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

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Banner for Flipboard magazine AI @ Work

AI @ Work Magazine

I curate the latest news and insights on how AI is transforming the workplace in my AI @ Work magazine.

Read the latest headlines, explore new ideas for advancing your practices and keep up with the breakneck pace of digital innovation - without getting lost in the hype and FOMO! 

READ AI @ WORK MAGAZINE

Upcoming Event

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I'm joining the Learning Guild and a panel of L&D industry experts for a day of interactive dialogues, analytical discussions and insightful presentations that shed light on the latest AI-driven trends in managing and developing.

This co-located event at the 2024 Learning and HR Tech Solutions Conference invites L&D and HR practitioners to delve into the sphere of AI, exploring its potential in redefining workforce strategies and organizational cultures.

Whether you are an established professional or a newcomer in the L&D or HR field, this symposium is a prime opportunity to augment your AI literacy. You will depart with actionable insights to initiate informed discussions and drive AI-centric transformations within your organizations.

Join us on Monday, April 22 for the AI Symposium.


Watch as I speak multiple languages thanks to my AI-powered hat! Actually ... my sudden linguistic skills are all thanks to HeyGen, an AI-enabled video authoring platform.

I recorded the original video in English. HeyGen translated my voice and facial movements into Spanish and French. I cut the clips together to create the live translation effect. It's not perfect ... but it's still super impressive.


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AI is transforming how L&D professionals work. We can generate courses from source materials in minutes and translate content into dozens of languages with a single click. AI-powered technology is helping us solve familiar problems faster and more efficiently. But this is just the beginning!

In this presentation, I explore L&D's reimagined role within the AI-enabled workplace and how we can leverage a new generation of technology to amplify subject matter experts, keep pace with operational change and foster equitable learning experiences.


While preparing for a webinar on AI-powered content authoring with Axonify, I asked my partner at Vyond to animate a chapter of my book - The Modern Learning Ecosystem - using their Vyond Go AI-powered video creator.

Here's what it made ... in 40 seconds ... without any edits ... based on 4000 characters of text from MLE Chapter 6: Reinforcement. Pretty cool, right?!?!


I invited a very special guest to join me on In The Know to discuss the benefits and risks of AI in the workplace. Watch as I talk about AI with AI.

That's right! My guest is an artificial person generated using ChatGPT and Synthesia. Together, we explore a range of AI workplace applications, from recruiting and training to engagement and talent mobility. I also explain how we put this episode together and highlight the questions you MUST ask before introducing AI-enabled tech in your organization.


In this episode of the Learning While Working podcast, I join host Robin Petterd to discuss the impact of AI on the future of work and the importance of not being short-sighted with this technology.

There is an ever-increasing need for critical thinking, and trust, transparency, and collaboration are key factors in AI adoption. I encourage L&D professionals to engage with stakeholders and align their strategies with the organisation's vision for AI.


L&D AI Subject Matter Experts

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Chad Udell is the co-founder and chief strategy officer at Float and SparkLearn. He's an expert in mobile design and development and speaks at events on related topics. He is author of Learning Everywhere: How Mobile Content Strategies Are Transforming Training and co-editor/author with Gary Woodill of Mastering Mobile Learning: Tips and Techniques for Success and Shock of the New.

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Dr. Philippa Hardman uses learning science and AI to help people design better learning experiences. She's the creator of the DOMS learning design engine, a Cambridge University Scholar, a former ed-tech chief academic officer and author of The Learning Science Newsletter.

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For close to thirty years, Josh Cavalier has been creating learning solutions for corporations, government agencies, and secondary education institutions. He has been on the ChatGPT platform since late 2022 and applies his industry experience to the science of Natural Language Processing and AI. 

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Donald Clark is a learning tech entrepreneur, investor, author, podcaster, blogger and speaker. He's the CEO of Wildfire, an AI learning company, and author of the book AI for Learning.  Donald has over 37 years experience in online learning, video, games, simulations, semantic, adaptive, chatbot, social media, mobile learning, virtual reality, AI and Metaverse projects. 


Recommended Books

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Artificial Intelligence for Learning by Donald Clark (2020)

This book debunks the myths and cuts through the hype around AI allowing L&D practitioners to feel confident in their ability to critically assess where artificial intelligence can make a measurable difference and where it is worth investing in. There is also critical discussion of how AI is an aid to learning and development, not a replacement as well as how it can be used to boost the effectiveness of workplace learning, reduce drop off rates in online learning and improve ROI.

With real-world examples from companies who have effectively implemented AI and seen the benefits as well as case studies from organizations including Netflix, British Airways and the NHS, this book is essential reading for all L&D practitioners needing to understand AI and what it means in practice.

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Artificial Intelligence for HR by Ben Eubanks (2018)

Covering everything from recruitment and retention to employee engagement and learning and development, Artificial Intelligence for HR outlines the value AI can add to HR. It also features discussions on the challenges that can arise from AI and how to deal with them, including data privacy, algorithmic bias and how to develop the skills of a workforce with the rise of automation, robotics and machine learning in order to make it more human, not less.

Packed with practical advice, research and case studies from global organizations including Uber, IBM and Unilever, this book will equip HR professionals with the knowledge they need to leverage AI to recruit and develop a successful workforce and help their businesses thrive in the future.

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Trustworthy AI by Beena Ammanath (2022)

Award-winning executive Beena Ammanath offers a practical approach for enterprise leaders to manage business risk in a world where AI is everywhere by understanding the qualities of trustworthy AI and the essential considerations for its ethical use within the organization and in the marketplace. The author draws from her extensive experience across different industries and sectors in data, analytics and AI, the latest research and case studies, and the pressing questions and concerns business leaders have about the ethics of AI.   

Filled with deep insights and actionable steps for enabling trust across the entire AI lifecycle, the book presents in-depth investigations of the key characteristics of trustworthy AI. Written to inform executives, managers, and other business leaders, Trustworthy AI breaks new ground as an essential resource for all organizations using AI.

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Human + Machine by Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson (2018)

Accenture leaders Paul R. Daugherty and H. James (Jim) Wilson show that the essence of the AI paradigm shift is the transformation of all business processes within an organization - whether related to breakthrough innovation, everyday customer service, or personal productivity habits. As humans and smart machines collaborate ever more closely, work processes become more fluid and adaptive, enabling companies to change them on the fly - or to completely reimagine them. AI is changing all the rules of how companies operate. 

Based on the authors' experience and research with 1,500 organizations, the book reveals how companies are using the new rules of AI to leap ahead on innovation and profitability as well as what you can do to achieve similar results. Human + Machine provides the missing and much-needed management playbook for success in our new age of AI. 


More Resources

Explore AI from The LPI
The Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) offers educational programs, consultation, research and insights into the application of AI within L&D through their Explore AI program. 

Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights
The US White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has identified five principles that should guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to protect the American public in the age of artificial intelligence. The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights is a guide for a society that protects all people from these threats—and uses technologies in ways that reinforce our highest values. 

The EU AI Act
The AI Act is a proposed European law on artificial intelligence (AI) – the first law on AI by a major regulator anywhere. The law assigns applications of AI to three risk categories. Like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, the EU AI Act could become a global standard, determining to what extent AI has a positive rather than negative effect on life.