I credit (and partly blame) my Evolve Solutions Group colleague, Tristia Hennessey, for sparking my current obsession, and for sending me down countless rabbit holes researching emerging technologies in Learning and Development. Tristia is always a fantastic source of knowledge. One day, at the end of a meeting, we asked each other, “What’s next?” when it comes to tech and L&D, and that simple question led me to presenting at the Start to Evolve Conference this past Fall (you can still register and access all session recordings here) with a session called “Emerging Technologies in Learning and Development.”
From Presentation to Practice
I loved having the opportunity to share with everyone at the conference, and I truly appreciated the feedback and contributions during the event. One question that keeps coming up is how to stay informed about emerging technologies and see examples of their use. The purpose of this article is to recap the presentation and, more importantly, to share reliable resources to stay informed about tech and L&D.
The “What vs. How” of Learning Technology
In the presentation, we explored how rapidly advancing tools are reshaping the way we design, deliver, and personalize learning experiences. I opened with the theme of “What vs. How” and reminded everyone that, while technology continues to evolve, the ultimate goal of learning remains the same: helping people grow, perform, and adapt. Our goal is to think strategically about how to align these new tools with business objectives rather than chase the latest innovation.
The Rise of Agentic AI
And of course, there was talk about AI. Artificial Intelligence is already making learning more personalized, but the next evolution will come from agentic AI, which can act autonomously, make decisions, and even provide personalized coaching. This human-plus-AI partnership may face early challenges, but it holds incredible potential to anticipate learning needs and curate the right content at the right time.
Immersive Learning with VR and AR
We also discussed the expanding roles of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in training. We looked at overviews of case studies, such as a Gas Turbine Technician Training Program that used VR and digital twins to simulate maintenance tasks, and an automotive manufacturing training program that used AR for real-time assessments and collaborative
learning. These examples demonstrate measurable improvements in safety, engagement, and cost efficiency. Looking ahead, as wearables and sensory devices evolve, we’ll see even more immersive, AI-created learning environments that merge the physical and digital worlds.
Staying Curious and Informed
Things are changing quickly, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. I encourage you to stay curious and proactive about the future of learning technology. The following are some resources to help.
· Follow respected technology sources, such as the MIT Technology Review.
· Look at companies that focus on how technology affects business, such as Gartner.
· Sign up for newsletters through TLDR.
· There are articles and free eBooks available, such as ones from:
· Mix up your media with podcasts such as the EdTech Podcast.
Final Thoughts
Most importantly, invest in your own digital fluency and understanding of AI ethics.
When it comes to technology, we’re all learning, and as an L&D professional, that’s my favorite place to be.