2024 L&D Predictions: Insights from Industry Pros

Introduction

Happy New Year, readers, and welcome to the year 2024—the future! And yet, still no flying cars. We’re starting to get pretty mad about it. Can the AI make that happen? Does anyone know?

Ahead of the release of our official 2024 Trends Report, we’re peering into the future and attempting to suss out what's cooking in the Learning and Development landscape this year. If there's one thing we've learned from our journey so far, it's that the future waits for no one! Staying ahead of the curve isn't just an option; it's a necessity. The L&D world is spinning faster than ever, and to make sure we don't fly off, we've gotta keep up with the pace! Again, though, if we had flying cars, we wouldn’t have to worry about that as much, would we?

Trends are more than just novelties; they serve as signposts guiding our learning strategies and methodologies toward the future. While the pace of these shifts may occasionally feel nerve-wracking, it’s this dynamic that keeps us on our toes and injects vitality into the field. They compel us to reassess, evolve, and refine our approaches in response to the evolving needs of learners and the demands of a rapidly transforming workforce.

While it might be tempting to cling to what’s familiar, it’s important to remember that learning isn’t just a static endeavor but an ever-evolving process. As we navigate these shifts, we not only future-proof our learning initiatives but also ensure that we’re at the forefront of fostering innovation, adaptability, and excellence.

Nobody can predict the future with absolute certainty (if you can, call us; we'd love a chat!). But it's a good bet that if we put our collective heads together, we can make some pretty educated guesses. That's where you come in! We've reached out to the best and brightest minds in our community for their thoughts on what's next in L&D.

To our dismay, not a single person predicted “3D pizza printers.” Clearly, The Jetsons had a profound impact on our psyche and expectations of the future. We suppose we’ll have to push through life without insta-pizza. We’re very brave like that.

Without further ado, we present you with a glimpse into the future of L&D, as foretold by some of our esteemed peers, colleagues, and friends.

The Predictions

“In 2024, the biggest trend in L&D will NOT be AI—although that will certainly be big. The biggest trend in L&D will be the awakening of us L&D professionals to our own empowerment. For too long, we have felt powerless to go beyond traditional methods. For too long, we have groveled and griped when we've been pushed into the role of order-takers.

Three things in 2024 will inspire us to push back. First, new learning and performance-improvement technologies will make more things possible. Second, AI will unleash a wave of innovation—where we are given permission to experiment. And three, my book, The CEO’s Guide to Training, eLearning & Work: Empowering Learning for a Competitive Advantage, will initiate a slow-motion revolution, encouraging us to assert our autonomy and build confident practices to maximize the potential of our learning and performance-improvement work.”

-Will Thalheimer, Ph.D., Consultant, Speaker, and Researcher

“Just as in 2023, AI will be the biggest trend in L&D for 2024. AI is unlike other technology trends that generated a lot of buzz but then disappeared (anyone remember Second Life?) or still haven’t become widespread (AR and VR have been “a few years away” for 10+ years now).

Instead, AI will be a more persistent trend because it’s already here. For example, AI voices are already becoming commonplace. AI-generated captions and transcripts make it easier to make content accessible. Translations are now often completed by AI first, followed by human verification. In 2024, technology vendors will continue to rush to market AI tools and features.

We, as L&D professionals, should explore these tools and learn what’s possible, but also stay skeptical. The market will be flooded with low-quality content and tools that make it faster to develop pointless training. AI has real uses already, especially in areas like voice-over and software training. L&D professionals who learn how to leverage AI for content ideation, drafts, and revisions will be able to work more effectively–especially if we avoid the pitfalls of assuming AI can do it all without humans guiding and verifying. We’ll also see more personalization and adaptive learning with AI in 2024.”

- Christy Tucker, Learning Experience Design Consultant

“Apple's Vision Pro can transform immersive learning spaces similar to how OpenAI transformed the world in 2023. ChatGPT transformed our workflows by introducing unforeseen efficiencies. Vision Pro aims to do the same in the immersive learning realm.

Immersive learning is currently tied to virtual reality (VR). It relies on controllers for navigation and tracking user progress. The Vision Pro distinguishes itself by offering a seamless transition between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) environments.

The key innovation lies in its capacity to enable users to navigate the interface without a controller. Instead, the device will track the user's eye, head, and hand movements.

Despite costing nearly $4,000, the Vision Pro boasts advanced data capabilities. These capabilities have the potential to unlock new possibilities in immersive learning that are currently unavailable. In 2023, Google shared that AI is the worst it will ever be. It will continue to iterate and improve upon itself. Apple's Vision Pro HAS the potential to evolve immersive learning, unlocking fresh experiences and engagement opportunities for learners.”

-Craig McMichael, Learning Experience Designer & Developer

“It may be the most obvious answer, but many of the biggest trends in L&D will all be directly or indirectly tied to AI. First, many learning solution providers are already implementing generative AI in their offerings, improving and expediting the way

practitioners curate and develop, and the way learners search.

Second, AI is going to continue to evolve peoples’ responsibilities at work. As such, there will become an increased need to offer learners personalized learning experiences. AI will help improve and expedite the ability for L&D teams to provide these personalized learning experiences as the need for upskilling and reskilling increases.

And lastly, many organizations are going to experiment with AI in L&D and make mistakes. 2024 will be the year of finding out where AI belongs in L&D, and where it doesn’t.”

-John Findling, Learning & Development Leader

"The key trend for L&D in 2024 will be using the system's thinking approach to AI adoption and implementation. Beyond selecting and utilizing the sheer number of AI tools available for learning and performance support purposes, we need to focus on the bigger question of how L&D can better align with business goals with this new technology. Instead of using AI to replace existing tools to do things faster and better, L&D needs to help redesign our current work structure, processes, and tasks as well as creation of new possibilities. We will also need to be involved in advocating guidelines, standards, and policies on data ethics and responsible use of AI at work.”

-Stella Lee, Ph.D., EdTech & AI Strategist, Speaker, Writer, and Researcher

Conclusion

As we take a collective leap into the uncharted territories of 2024, it’s clear that the future of Learning and Development is intertwined with the rise of technology, particularly the ever-evolving behemoth that is Artificial Intelligence. Who’s to say where AI will take us this year? It’s both intimidating and thrilling to imagine what this year’s ChatGPT will be!

It's essential for us to embrace the unknown with a spirit of adventure and tackle these challenges head-on and fearlessly. It's in facing uncertainties that we pave the way for innovation and growth! Unless, of course, the AI wages a cyber war on us. In that case, we recommend turning around and running away. Fast.

From the empowering insights of Will Thalheimer, challenging the status quo and encouraging a revolution in the way we approach learning, to Christy Tucker's cautionary yet optimistic outlook on AI, urging L&D professionals to harness its potential while remaining discerning, and John Findling's anticipation of the inevitable experimentation and learning from AI mistakes, we're on the brink of a transformative year.

That being said, Dr. Stella Lee's push for a systemic approach to AI implementation is crucial, underscoring the importance of aligning AI with broader business goals and championing ethical and responsible use. As we navigate the AI landscape, it's vital that we don't treat it as a quick "band-aid solution" but rather integrate it thoughtfully into our strategies for a more sustainable and meaningful impact.

But hey, AI isn’t the only new guy in town! As Craig McMichael pointed out, new AR/VR technology like Apple’s Vision Pro will likely unlock new possibilities we aren’t even cognizant of yet. Navigating the immersive learning space, just like the AI landscape, calls for thoughtful integration, ensuring that we don't view these innovations as a one-size-fits-all solution but rather as strategic tools for sustainable, future-proofed learning. By embracing these new technologies with optimism and an open-minded approach, we pave the way for innovative and transformative learning solutions. Plus, it’s just cool.

The path ahead is uncertain, but it's in our collective efforts and adaptability that we shape a future where learning not only keeps pace with change but also leads the way. Cheers to a year of embracing the unknown, thriving in challenges, and defining the future of L&D together!

May that future be 3D pizza-shaped.

Want our take on 2024 trends? Click here to learn more and grab a free copy of our official Trends Report! 

A heartfelt thank you is due to our incredible contributors, Will Thalheimer, Ph.D., Christy Tucker, John Findling, Stella Lee, Ph.D., and Craig McMichael, for contributing their expertise and unique perspectives to this article. We extend our deepest gratitude for their generosity of time, kindness, and for being true champions of the learning game.