AI Video and Audio in L&D: Shifting How We Design Learning

“We’ll just record a quick video.” A request like this is often brutal to hear – especially when budgets and timelines are tight. Between scheduling SMEs, storyboards or interview questions, producing and animating, and endless editing cycles, there’s nothing “quick” about video production in L&D. And don’t get me started about editing videos after people leave the organization! Thankfully AI is rewriting this script by cutting down production time and giving teams the power to create content faster — and smarter. 

Breaking New Ground in Learning Design 

Today’s AI video and audio tools are so much more than even five years ago. With natural-sounding voice synthesis across multiple languages, intelligent video editing that turns raw footage into polished material in minutes, and automated captioning that recognizes technical jargon with impressive accuracy, AI is making high-quality learning content more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. 

Why L&D Needs AI Video and Audio: The Benefits Are Big 

Learning best practices show that video and audio are powerful tools in the learning experience. It’s been the cost that has always been the issue. Bringing AI into the mix allows us to start streamline production while also enhancing it to impact learners directly. Here’s a few ways this is happening: 

1. Efficiency and Speed: AI can help you create video content faster by automating editing, voiceovers, and captions. The localization of training materials also gets a significant boost, with AI able to handle translations and subtitling more quickly than traditional methods. 
2. Improved Quality: Fidelity and clarity are central to effective learning, and AI helps with both. With the right tools, you can create high-quality videos with consistent audio that doesn’t miss a beat, all while maintaining control over tone and style. Robotic, monotonous voices are going away, thank goodness! 
3. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Automated transcription, closed captioning, and translation mean that training videos are more accessible than ever. AI is helping make true inclusion and  accessibility a reality. 
4. Personalization in Learning: By analyzing learner data, AI can recommend content that suits each individual’s learning journey, ensuring learners get the materials most relevant to their role or growth path.  
5. Cost Savings: Video and audio tend to be the first things cut from a design when budgets are tight. When used effectively, these AI tools can help you cut back on production expenses without sacrificing quality. 

Addressing Common Reservations 

Despite these advantages, many L&D professionals express valid concerns: 

• Will AI-generated content feel authentic enough? 
• How can we maintain the human element in our learning experiences? 
• What about the time investment required to master new tools? 

These are valid, but shouldn’t prevent you from exploring tools that could significantly enhance learning delivery. L&D is half art and half science. Designers typically have the art side taken care of, so let’s start considering the science and data side more.  

Best Practices for AI-Enhanced Learning: Making the Most of AI 

AI tools are useful, but they’re just tools. They’re most powerful when combined with human expertise. 

1. Stay Focused on Learning Goals: The goal should always be to enhance the learning experience, not to simply adopt tech for tech’s sake. First and foremost, make sure each course design is aligned with your core learning objectives, and then let AI play a supporting role . 
2. Mix Human and Machine: AI can automate and speed up many tasks, but L&D professionals must bring their creativity, experience, empathy, and insight to bring the experience to life.  
3. Address Quality Control: Establish checkpoints and reviews to ensure that AI-generated content meets quality standards. Just because it’s automated doesn’t mean it’s flawless.

Taking the First Step 

Remember that almost every major advancement in learning technology faced initial skepticism. What sets successful teams apart is their willingness to experiment thoughtfully and learn from the results. 

Start small. Use AI to enhance the audio or video of a single learning experience. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Listen to your learners and their feedback on it. Most importantly, keep your focus on creating better learning experiences, using technology as a means to that end rather than an end in itself. 

Want to chat about this? Email me at JLS@judge.com. 

About Mark Burke   

 Mark Burke joined The Judge Group in 2019 and is the Senior Director of Learning Strategy for Judge Learning Solutions where he consults with clients to help them assess their situation, create a strategy, and design and develop a best-in-class custom learning solution. Mark’s experience includes the creation and management of five different online universities, the development of competency profiles and related curricula for many Fortune 100 companies, owning his own assessment and consulting company, and 20 years of developing and implementing learning strategies in both corporate and higher education environments.