AI and Beyond: Modern Training Strategies Workshop Recap

Last Tuesday, Instruqt hosted AI and Beyond: Modern Training Strategies Workshop to bring together industry professionals to explore the latest developments in AI and hands-on training strategies. The workshop provided a forum for thought-provoking presentations, insightful discussions, an interactive demo, and engaging networking. We enjoyed meeting new faces from our customers and technical training experts in the Raleigh-Durham area. 

The event was graciously hosted by our customer, Toshiba, at their office building in Research Triangle Park (RTP). Many thanks to Rick Jester for welcoming Instruqt and event attendees into the Toshiba beautiful office!

Session #1: The AI Advantage in Training: A Strategic Guide

The first session, presented by Tom Whelan, Ph.D., Director of Corporate Research at Training Industry, delved into the transformative role of AI in training. Titled The AI Advantage in Training: A Strategic Guide, the presentation focused on AI's growing influence in corporate learning and development (L&D). 

What’s Possible with AI?

Tom provided an overview of how AI is being used in L&D, highlighting current applications and the potential for more advanced solutions in the near future. AI’s ability to automate administrative tasks, personalize learning paths, and provide real-time feedback was discussed, showing how these tools can enhance both learner engagement and knowledge retention. However, he sarcastically reminded the audience that AI is “a flagrantly dumb, emotionally vacant but incredibly resourceful assistant, not an employee stand-in” — emphasizing that human oversight remains essential.

AI in the Market and Upskilling Needs

Tom outlined the current state of AI in the market and identified areas where businesses need to focus their upskilling efforts to keep pace. He emphasized the importance of staying updated with AI tools and techniques, as the landscape is rapidly evolving. In particular, he mentioned that while AI has incredible potential, its application needs to be aligned with business goals and learning key performance indicators (KPIs).

Guardrails and Ethical Considerations

AI's capabilities are vast, but Tom cautioned the audience about its limitations, particularly around biases and the risk of misinformation. He stressed the need for businesses to implement appropriate guardrails when deploying AI in L&D to ensure that training remains accurate, unbiased, and ethically sound. He also highlighted the growing concerns around data privacy and intellectual property, issues that must be addressed as AI adoption increases.

‍Session #2: Tackling Today’s Top Hands-on Training Challenges

Next, Josh Clough, VP of Sales Engineering and Customer Success at Instruqt, took the stage to present Tackling Today’s Top Hands-on Training Challenges. This session focused on practical, hands-on training approaches that address the growing skills gap in today’s workforce.

The Importance of Hands-on Training

Josh emphasized that hands-on training is essential for developing the technical skills required in today’s rapidly changing work environment. He pointed out that traditional training methods are becoming less effective as the pace of technological change accelerates, and that businesses must invest in hands-on labs and interactive training environments to keep their teams up to date.

Best Practices for Hands-on Labs

Josh offered a detailed breakdown of best practices for designing effective hands-on labs that maximize learning outcomes. His key recommendations included:

• Realistic Scenarios: Training labs should replicate real-world challenges to make the learning experience more engaging and relevant.
• Scenario-Based Learning: This approach immerses learners in complex situations where they must apply their knowledge to solve problems.
• Quick and Easy Access: Simplifying the user experience with easy-to-access labs ensures that learners can focus on the training without being bogged down by technical difficulties.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporating interactive features and immediate feedback helps learners retain information more effectively.
• Gamification: Josh also highlighted the value of using gamification techniques to keep learners engaged and motivated.

The Role of AI in Hands-on Training

Josh discussed how AI is reshaping hands-on training by enabling more personalized learning experiences. AI-driven analytics can track learner performance in real-time, identify areas of improvement, and adjust training modules accordingly. He mentioned that companies need to prioritize AI training for their teams, as AI skills are becoming essential to remain competitive in the workforce.

Interactive Demo: Generative AI Lab

One of the highlights of the day was the interactive demo led by Josh. Attendees were introduced to Ollama, an open-source project that simplifies the process of running large language models (LLMs) on local machines. The demo showcased how participants could:

1. Run LLMs on their personal computers.
2. Download LLMs for various use cases.
3. Customize LLMs to fit specific learning or business needs.

This hands-on session allowed attendees to see AI in action and experiment with customizing models to suit their training environments. The accessibility of Ollama made it a hit among participants, who appreciated the opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology firsthand.

Happy Hour and Networking

The day concluded with a happy hour, providing a relaxed setting for attendees to network, exchange ideas, and reflect on the insights gained throughout the workshop. This was a great opportunity for professionals from different industries to connect and share their experiences with AI and hands-on training.

AI and Beyond: Modern Training Strategies Workshop offered participants actionable insights into the role of AI in training and development. From strategic guidance on AI's current and future applications to practical tips on designing effective hands-on labs, the workshop delivered valuable knowledge for organizations looking to stay competitive in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world. 

Thank you to Toshiba for hosting the event and to attendees for making time to join us for an afternoon of learning and networking!

Check out our Events & Webinars page to see where Instruqt will be next!