From AI to Competency-Based Education: Key Forces Shaping Education With John Baker

🎓 What does the education landscape look like in 2026? From artificial intelligence to competency-based education, the future of learning is being shaped by multiple forces. And institutions need to adapt fast.

In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with John Baker (CEO, President and Founder of D2L) to explore how AI, immersive learning and skills-focused strategies are transforming education. You’ll hear why non-degree credentials are surging, how AI is reducing course development costs and why human connection still matters in a tech-driven world.

Baker shares practical insights on building flexible learning ecosystems, leveraging AI responsibly and moving beyond outdated standards like SCORM to create engaging, interactive experiences. This conversation is a roadmap for leaders ready to embrace innovation and prepare learners for the future.

💬 “The urgency has never been greater. Institutions need to step up and tackle the big challenges of re-skilling the workforce and preparing students for a new world with AI.” — John Baker

In this episode, Cristi and John discuss:

• the biggest forces shaping education in 2026
• how AI is transforming course design and reducing costs
• the rise of competency-based education and non-degree credentials
• moving beyond SCORM to open, interactive learning standards
• practical strategies for institutional leaders

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more.

For more content, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio.

To hear more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com

Visit the Teaching & Learning Studio for more content for educators, by educators. Sign up for our newsletter today.