What's Happening?
A report from the Association for Talent Development highlights the need for talent development professionals to improve their skills in selecting learning technologies. The report, released on October 2, 2025, surveyed 362 professionals, revealing that while 60% feel confident in assessing their organization's needs for learning tech, nearly half struggle with the task. The report emphasizes the importance of these skills as organizations plan to implement AI-enabled learning technologies for content development. Johann Laville, Chief Learning Officer at Merck, noted that selecting appropriate learning technologies is crucial for serving the organization's best interests. The report also mentions that commonly used technologies include learning management systems, e-learning authoring tools, and assessment tools.
Why It's Important?
The ability to select appropriate learning technologies is becoming increasingly critical as organizations plan to integrate AI into their learning content development. This shift could significantly impact the role of talent development professionals, who may face the risk of being sidelined if they do not possess the necessary skills. The report suggests that developing adjacent IT skills is essential to ensure that these professionals remain integral to decision-making processes. As AI continues to evolve, the demand for tech-savvy talent development professionals is likely to grow, potentially leading to changes in budget allocations and job roles within organizations.
What's Next?
Organizations are expected to continue exploring AI-enabled learning technologies, which may lead to increased investment in tech training for talent development professionals. As these technologies become more prevalent, professionals in the field may need to adapt by acquiring new skills to remain relevant. This could result in a shift in how learning and development departments operate, with a greater emphasis on technology integration and strategic decision-making. Stakeholders, including corporate leaders and HR departments, may need to reassess their approaches to talent development to align with technological advancements.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of AI in learning technologies raises ethical considerations, such as data privacy and the potential for AI to replace human roles. Organizations will need to address these concerns to ensure responsible use of technology. Additionally, the cultural shift towards tech-driven learning may influence how employees engage with training programs, potentially leading to changes in workplace dynamics and employee expectations.
