Learning Technologies 2024: Was it all about humans or AI?

Learning Technologies this year was an event like no other. The energy across the event was contagious as everyone embraced challenging their old ways of thinking and tried to be open to all things AI.
  • 5 May 2024
  • News Item
  • 4 min read
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Learning Technologies this year was an event like no other. The energy across the event was contagious as everyone embraced challenging their old ways of thinking and tried to be open to all things AI. 

Here at Kineo, we wanted this year to be a little different from previous years. We have had a couple of years getting used to big events since the pandemic – and now was the time to be playful and fun and do something new.

Enter the AI Apocalypse 

This year our stand featured an AI Apocalypse game, built in Adapt, which not only entertained but also served as a demonstration of our cutting-edge learning analytics service, Kineo Analytics.  

Through player data tracking, participants experienced firsthand the power of analytics, with insights such as average time to complete, number of attempts, and common stumbling points displayed on a real-time leaderboard and Kineo Analytics dashboard. 

The game provided an opportunity to take a break from the conference sessions and acted as the perfect conversation starter. We loved seeing people get competitive and then take selfies with their scores on the big screen!

Prioritising ESG  

Amidst the event buzz, we also unveiled our newly launched ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) training suite, a timely addition to our comprehensive learning offerings. Sustainability was a key theme across the conference sessions, so we were grateful to be part of the conversation and able to offer real support to L&D teams.  

We are serious about making a difference and we were heartened to see so many others across the sector also committed to making a big impact.  

Our brand-new ESG suite addresses the growing demand and importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility in today’s business landscape. We are excited to provide organisations with essential training to navigate ESG principles and practices effectively. 

Balancing AI and human-centered learning 

Adding to the excitement, approximately 150 attendees gathered for a compelling thought leadership seminar led by our esteemed colleagues and industry experts Cammy Bean and Matthew Mella.  

The seminar, titled “Learning Design: Where’s the Humanity?”, delved into the crucial balance between AI technology and human-centered learning approaches. To us, this felt like a profound topic during the conference – with all the stands buzzing about AI and their take on it. We put the spotlight on the importance of human strength and creativity and how whilst AI is a huge opportunity, we must not lose sight of the relevance and importance of our (very real) people.  

The lively discussion underscored the challenges faced by L&D teams in integrating new AI advancements while prioritising the human element in learning experiences. We recognise there are many challenges facing L&D teams in 2024 and it can be simultaneously overwhelming and energising. However, we are big believers in thinking that it’s okay to not have all the answers right now.  

Reflecting the widespread interest in this topic, our seminar resonated with attendees, sparking conversations around the importance of maintaining a human touch in the rapidly evolving landscape of workplace learning. 

Don’t worry if you missed out on the day though! For those who couldn’t attend, we’re offering the opportunity to dive deeper into the conversation in our free webinar hosted by Cammy Bean and Matthew Mella. 

Secure your space here: 
Embracing the Human Element in the Age of AI: Human-centered Learning Design 
4pm – 5pm (BST) Thursday 23rd May 

This webinar promises to explore strategies for navigating the intersection of AI and human-centered design, providing actionable insights for L&D professionals striving to keep their human learners at the heart of what they do, whilst making the most of new technologies. 

 

We look forward to Learning Technologies 2025! 

Overall, the Learning Technologies Conference was an engaging, informative and inspiring two days. We loved catching up with colleagues and friends and meeting lots of interesting peers. We learnt so much about the sector and left with a heartwarming feeling that we’re all in it together.  

Whilst many of our conversations were about the takeover of AI – our most meaningful conversations (and contributions) were when we discussed keeping the human learner at the forefront of our strategies. Going forward we must strike the right balance between embracing technology and still recognising the essential role that real people play in learning experiences.