Rick Feldt

April 2011 - TD Magazine

2011: The Year of the Media Tablet As a Learning Tool

As 2024 unfolds, the HR and L&D landscape has transformed significantly, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Earlier in the year, CYPHER Learning made key predictions for 2024 about AI’s role in shaping the future of work and learning. Now, many of those predictions have become a reality. The AI trends that have emerged are not just speculative but practical shifts in how we work and learn.Here are eight AI predictions for 2024 that have stood the test of time and are shaping the HR and L&D market today.1. Proactive AIOne major prediction was that AI would become more proactive, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing. AI now anticipates user needs rather than waiting for input. Tools like Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini have taken proactive AI mainstream, streamlining workflows across industries by predicting actions and suggesting content.In HR, this has translated into AI tools that automatically recommend training courses based on employee roles and skills gaps, making it easier for L&D teams to stay ahead of workforce needs and ensuring more tailored learning experiences.2. Refined vs. Raw AI2024 saw a shift from experimental AI models to more polished and reliable tools. The refinement of AI systems, driven by improved oversight and cross-checking mechanisms, ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of errors or biases. OpenAI and Google, for example, have refined their models to deliver more dependable results.In L&D, this refinement is critical. AI Crosscheck from CYPHER plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content, particularly for training programs, making sure employees receive high-quality, validated learning experiences.3. Remote Training for ManagersThe prediction that AI would help managers lead distributed teams has also proven true. With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, AI tools are being used to support managers in training and managing teams from a distance.Platforms like Zoom and Salesforce now integrate AI to enhance communication, track employee progress, and provide real-time feedback, ensuring that remote teams stay productive and engaged. This has helped bridge the gap between remote workers and in-office teams, offering personalized training and support.4. Workforce VersatilityAI has become a key driver in creating a versatile workforce. Platforms like Udemy and CYPHER Learning use AI to help employees build both hard and soft skills, offering personalized learning paths based on individual goals and performance.This shift is essential in today’s rapidly evolving work environment. AI-driven tools ensure that employees remain adaptable and versatile, ready to meet the challenges of a changing job market.5. Upskilling and ReskillingAs industries rapidly change, the need for upskilling and reskilling has become more urgent. AI has played a crucial role in helping organizations address these challenges by identifying skills gaps and recommending tailored training solutions. For example, the CYPHER Learning platform automates the mapping of course content to skills and assessments, enabling employees to quickly develop and master the competencies required to keep pace with technological advancements.This automation makes L&D efforts more scalable and efficient, allowing companies to better align employee development with their business objectives.6. Improving Daily LifeAI is now embedded in both personal and professional settings, streamlining tasks and improving daily workflows. From virtual assistants like Alexa to AI-powered learning platforms, technology is making everyday processes more manageable.In the HR and L&D space, AI is being used to personalize learning experiences, ensuring that employees receive content that is relevant to their needs. AI-driven tools are making it easier for workers to acquire new skills, contributing to more dynamic and adaptable learning environments.7. Job Market ShiftsAI is transforming the job market, just as predicted. New roles focusing on AI management, data analysis, and oversight have emerged, while traditional roles are being redefined to include AI-based skills. This shift is being felt globally; for example, a survey reveals that 78 percent of workers believe AI will affect their roles within the next two years.In HR, AI tools are being used to assess workforce readiness and match candidates to roles more precisely. Meanwhile, L&D teams are leveraging AI to guide employees toward the skills they need to stay competitive in an ever-changing job market.8. Addressing AI BiasThe increased focus on addressing AI bias in 2024 has proven essential. Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing in reducing bias in AI systems, ensuring that AI models are more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.In the L&D space, AI-generated content and recommendations must be equitable to ensure that all employees, regardless of background, have access to learning opportunities. This focus on fairness is critical as AI continues to evolve, ensuring that AI systems benefit everyone and promote inclusive growth across organizations.2024 and BeyondWhether it’s refining AI tools, supporting remote work, or addressing bias, the industry has moved in the direction that was forecasted. At CYPHER Learning, we’re proud to have contributed to these advancements, particularly with innovations like AI Crosscheck and AI-enabled skills development, which are helping organizations create smarter, more efficient learning environments.Stay tuned for our 2025 predictions—they’ll provide insight into the next phase of AI’s impact on HR and L&D, helping you stay ahead of the curve.

8 AI Predictions for 2024 That Stood the Test of Time

5 Things to Help Lead Your Team Through the Coronavirus Crisis: Proven Military Leadership Lessons That Can Help Your Team through a Crisis

Mission+Leader's Intent -- improving your team's alignment by helping them understand the why and what success looks like.
Where to go as a leader -- We have all heard the leadership mantra that the best leaders “lead by example.” Yet in day-to-day work and this crisis, deciding where your physical presence as a leader has the most impact is a little more complicated. Often leaders tend to go where they are most comfortable, the part of the business where they grew up, or where they believe they have the most talents. And in the current crisis, there is a risk aspect to where you go as a leader that wasn’t there before. We will highlight seven ways to think about where you should go as a leader.
Lead with optimism -- As we all lead our families, teams, and companies through the coronavirus it is worth talking about optimism. We all know that during a crisis we should lead with optimism. But does one stay optimistic through all the news, challenges, and new routines? We will discuss six ideas to help you stay optimistic.
How are you looking for opportunities in this crisis? The coronavirus crisis has and will continue to disrupt the status quo. There is value in thinking about how to adapt your team or company to the new environment. Andy Grove, former Intel CEO, once said, “Bad companies are destroyed by crises. Good companies survive them. Great companies are improved by them.” Like all crises, the coronavirus crisis will change the risk/reward balance for your team, increase your organization’s focus, encourage innovation, and reveal opportunities. So how do you find these opportunities in the crisis? We will discuss seven questions that might help you and your team start thinking about finding an opportunity and become one of the great companies formed out of the coronavirus crisis of 2020.
Recognizing excellence -- In the chaos of a crisis, it is often hard to remember to recognize members of your team for the amazing work they are doing. In a pre-coronavirus study, 80% of employees stated that they feel motivated to work harder when they felt appreciated for their work. However, over three quarters of all employees feel undervalued because of a lack of recognition and appreciation. Although it is simple, when was the last time you recognized members of your team for the great work they are doing?
