When we teamed up with Donald H. Taylor and a panel of experts for our webinar Beyond the Hype: The Truth About AI in Training, we expected lively discussion. What we didn’t anticipate was just how alive the chat would be. Trainers from around the globe weighed in with excitement, concerns, and thoughtful questions about how AI is reshaping instructor-led training.
Here are some of the key themes and takeaways from the audience conversation and our panelists’ responses.
1. Excitement: AI to enhance course creation
Many attendees highlighted the potential for AI to speed up course creation, overcome writer’s block, and even support inclusivity.
“I often ask AI to check that I’m being as inclusive as possible and it’s been super helpful!” – Caitlyn B.
“No more writer’s block.” – Brenda F.
But excitement wasn’t only about efficiency. Attendees also saw opportunities for AI to spark new ideas, enable interactive practice, and even translate training into new markets.
2. Concern: The “beige wave” of poor-quality content
The biggest worry? That AI could flood the market with low-quality, cookie-cutter courses.
“Concern: automated mediocrity.” – Ger D.
“AI doesn’t automatically transform mediocre content into something impactful.” – Taruna G.
Donald Taylor summed it up perfectly with his phrase: “The beige wave of poor-quality content is coming.”
The panel agreed: AI can create more content, faster, but more doesn’t mean better. Trainers must double down on quality, context, and outcomes.
3. The role of ILT in an AI world
A recurring theme was whether instructor-led training (ILT) will be replaced. The consensus? No, but it will evolve.
“With terrible completion rates in self-paced elearning during COVID, we saw learners return to ILT – this time with smarter blended approaches. I think we’ll see something similar with AI. To some degree, we need to ride the wave and then show how ILT + AI delivers real results.” – Mel @ Arlo
As panelist Scott D’Amico reflected, during the pandemic many feared ILT would disappear as self-paced eLearning surged. But the reality was different: learners came back, because they craved connection, application, and accountability. Completion rates told the story – self-paced modules often went unfinished, while live and blended models kept learners engaged.
Stella Lee echoed this point, noting that ILT’s role is shifting:
“The question isn’t whether ILT survives, but how we redesign it. AI and eLearning can support the journey, but what learners value most is context, guidance, and human connection.”
At Arlo, we believe instructor-led training remains the hero. The real opportunity is in creating seamless blended learning journeys, where online elements (pre-reading, microlearning, assignments, quizzes, videos and more) support and enhance the live experience.
Rather than being replaced, ILT is being redefined – with blended learning models leading the way.
See this in action in our next webinar with cLearn CEO Jeff Makey as he shares his own playbook for creating engaging blended learning. Register now.
4. Protecting training IP
Sarah raised an important question: how can training providers protect their IP when learners use AI tools?
Here’s how Mel @ Arlo responded in the chat:
“Great question, Sarah. A lot comes down to what NOT to paste into AI tools, and setting boundaries around sensitive content. Pair that with using secure platforms for course delivery, so you’re not relying on open systems to house your IP.”
And panelist Elena Agaragimova stressed that while AI can assist, providers need to safeguard their intellectual property by setting clear policies and using secure systems. The group agreed: it’s not just about preventing “copy-paste” risks, but about recognizing that true IP lies in the expertise, context, and application that trainers bring – which AI cannot replicate.
This reinforces an important point: your IP isn’t just the raw content – it’s your expertise, your context, and your ability to connect learning to outcomes. The right platform and practices help keep that safe.
5. The value conversation: Outcomes, not just content
Andre captured a common challenge: showing clients why your training delivers more value than cheaper, lower-quality options.
Panelist Elena Agaragimova put it simply:
“What makes us unique is worth pondering about – we don’t need more courses or content, and certainly not poor content faster. The real value is in outcomes and impact.”
From there, the conversation turned to measuring outcomes, using data to prove impact, and communicating the real-world performance gains that effective training brings.
At Arlo, we’ve seen providers elevate their positioning by combining smart tools with in-depth reporting, so clients can see the difference between content and impact.
6. Trainers’ evolving role
If AI can handle the basics, what’s left for trainers? A lot.
Attendees and panelists alike agreed that trainers will need to elevate their role by:
- Focusing on critical thinking, context, and application
- Fostering engagement and motivation
- Bringing the human touch AI can’t replicate
As one participant put it:
“AI won’t replace educators. Educators who use AI will replace educators who don’t.” – Elon B.
AI isn’t the end of instructor-led training. It’s another wave that trainers will learn to ride, similar to the shift to elearning that we saw during COVID. Those who embrace AI thoughtfully will find new ways to amplify their impact, prove their value, and keep learning outcomes at the heart of what they do.
As Mel @ Arlo put it in the chat:
“What excites me is when AI and authoring tools don’t just pump out content, but actually help create a seamless blended learning journey – where online elements support and enhance the experience, while instructor-led training remains the hero. That’s the real clincher.”
Donald Taylor summed up: “Success starts with partnership. AI is only as valuable as the learning design and human expertise that surrounds it.”
Your turn:
- How are you experimenting with AI in your training?
- What excites you and concerns you when it comes to AI in training?
- What role do you think trainers must play in an AI-powered world?
Connect with us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. And be sure to connect with our panelists too – Andre, Elena, Donald, Scott, Stella.
Missed the webinar and keen to hear what else our panelists had to say about AI? Watch it on-demand!
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