Recently updated on November 18th, 2024
In a recent webinar, Scott D’Amico, EVP of Sales and Marketing at Logical Operations, joined Andre Brice, North American Regional Manager for Arlo Software, to explore how training businesses can embrace GenAI, and start using it to streamline operations, deliver more personalized learning, and market their courses more effectively.
Watch the webinar below, or read on for the key takeaways Scott shared 👇
What’s the difference between AI and GenAI?
Both AI and GenAI are terms that are thrown around a lot, and used interchangeably but Scott emphasizes the importance of distinguishing the differences between the two terms:
Artificial Intelligence
Refers to machines or systems designed to mimic human-like thinking and decision-making. In everyday life, we encounter AI in various ways, such as recommendation systems on streaming platforms like Netflix, which suggest shows based on your past viewing habits, or email services that automatically filter spam.
It can also be found in navigation tools like Google Maps, which help you find the quickest route and adjust for traffic. While AI systems like these can perform specific tasks (e.g., filtering spam or suggesting content), they are considered narrow AI because they excel at solving only particular problems and do not possess the ability to reason or generalize beyond those tasks.
Generative AI
Is a specific subset of AI. Gen AI focuses on creating new, original content—such as writing, images, music, or even video—based on patterns it has learned. It’s like a machine that can not only understand a subject but can also generate new ideas or compositions that didn’t exist before.
For example, tools like ChatGPT can generate text, while DALL·E can create images, both based on prompts or instructions given by users. They’ve been trained on massive datasets—millions of articles, videos, websites, and more—and use that knowledge to generate original content based on what they’ve learned.
What makes a good prompt?
The results you get from GenAI depend entirely on the clarity of your instructions. Writing effective prompts is a skill that training professionals can master to unlock better results.
Scott’s Tips for Crafting Effective Prompts:
- Be Specific: Detail what you want. Instead of asking for “training content on communication,” say, “Create a three-day communication skills workshop for new managers, focusing on conflict resolution and active listening.”
- Assign a Persona: Guide the AI to respond as an expert. Scott recommends saying something like, “Pretend you are a professional course designer with 10 years of experience creating leadership programs.”
- Iterate and Refine: Use follow-up instructions to improve the results. Ask the AI to expand on a point or simplify its response to suit your audience.
- Set a Goal: Make the desired outcome clear. For example, “Write a blog post on public speaking to attract participants to a training session.”
Why This Matters:
Good prompts save time and ensure higher-quality results. You can apply this to create everything from course outlines to social media posts that attract learners.
How to use GenAI for your training business?
Generative AI (GenAI) offers practical solutions to challenges faced by training businesses, enabling them to operate more efficiently, reduce workloads, and deliver improved learning experiences. Its applications are versatile, ranging from course creation to automating repetitive tasks.
Key Applications
1. Course Creation
GenAI can generate course materials, slides, and quizzes. Upload a course outline, and tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini turn it into polished content. Scott notes, “You can transform existing resources into engaging e-learning modules with minimal effort.”
“You can take existing training resources and transform them into engaging e-learning modules with minimal effort, creating a polished and professional final product.”
For example, an uploaded outline for a leadership workshop can be turned into a detailed training course complete with visuals and learner assessments.
2. Marketing and Promotion
Use GenAI to draft email campaigns, social media posts, or promotional content for upcoming courses. Specify your target audience and objectives, and let the AI deliver tailored marketing messages.
3. Customization and Personalization
Tailoring training content to specific audiences becomes easier with GenAI. For example:
- Leadership Training: Adjusting the tone and content for new managers versus senior executives.
- Industry-Specific Learning: Modifying programs to address the unique challenges of sectors like retail, healthcare, or tech.
Scott notes, “This level of personalization makes training more relevant and impactful”
4. Efficiency Through Automation
Combining GenAI with workflow automation tools like Zapier takes efficiency to the next level. This integration helps with:
- Drafting responses to customer inquiries automatically.
- Creating and scheduling blog posts or social media updates.
- Converting Zoom transcripts into concise meeting summaries or actionable follow-ups.
For instance, a single workflow can turn webinar content into a blog post, promotional social media snippets, and email follow-ups—all without manual intervention.
What to be aware of when it comes to GenAI?
While GenAI offers many benefits, it also comes with risks. Using it responsibly ensures that your training business maintains trust, accuracy, and ethical standards.
Key Considerations:
1. Accuracy
AI-generated content isn’t always reliable. Always review it to ensure factual accuracy and relevance. Scott emphasizes, “AI is a tool, not a replacement for human oversight.”
2. Data Privacy
Avoid sharing proprietary or sensitive information with public AI tools. “If you wouldn’t want your competitor to see it, don’t share it with the AI,” Scott advises.
3. Copyright and Ownership
Be cautious when using AI-generated content commercially. Some tools rely on copyrighted material in their training, which may lead to legal issues. Use tools with clear licensing policies.
4. Human Involvement
AI doesn’t replace the need for skilled professionals. It augments your work but still requires human creativity, judgment, and ethical consideration.
Ready to transform your training business with AI and Arlo?
In the webinar, Arlo’s Andre Brice highlighted the upcoming AI-powered eLearning course authoring features coming to Arlo in 2025. We’ll be sharing more details in the weeks and months ahead about how you can sign up for early access.
In the meantime, if you’d like to explore Arlo and see how the platform helps thousands of training providers streamline and automate their training management processes, you can start a 14-day free trial below 👇