The Learning Experience Ops Show

Summary In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Dr. Luke Hobson discuss the evolving landscape of instructional design, particularly in the context of AI's impact on the field. They explore the importance of foundational skills, networking, and the challenges faced by instructional designers today. Dr. Hobson shares insights from his career journey, emphasizing the need for effective communication and project management skills. The discussion also touches on future predictions for the industry and the role of AI in enhancing learning experiences. Takeaways The landscape of instructional design is rapidly changing due to technology. AI is reshaping the future of learning professionals. Networking is crucial for career advancement in instructional design. A strong portfolio is now essential for job seekers in the field. Project management skills are vital for successful instructional design. Effective communication can prevent project failures. Understanding your audience is key to designing impactful learning experiences. Continuous learning and upskilling are necessary in a changing job market. Embracing AI can enhance productivity and creativity in instructional design. The future of education will involve more experimentation and data-driven decisions. Watch the full episode The Field Has Changed. Have You?- Dr. Luke Hobson on What Endures, What Doesn't, and How to Stay Relevant as an Instructional Designer

Summary In this episode, Jason Gorman shares insights on starting and growing an L&D business, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to industry changes like AI and market shifts. Perfect for aspiring learning and development entrepreneurs and instructional designers considering a side hustle or full-time venture. Key Takeaways Starting an L&D business from scratch Challenges faced by new entrepreneurs in education Adapting to AI and industry changes Effective networking and client acquisition Pricing and proposal strategies for freelancers Watch the Full Episode: Starting Up Your Own L&D Business- Hosted By Dr. Luke Hobson

Summary In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Diane Weaver explore the evolving role of AI in our lives, particularly through the lens of Baryons, an AI companion designed to help individuals thrive. They discuss the duality of AI, the importance of adaptability in the workforce, and the concept of the 'adaptation gap' that affects mental health and engagement. Diane shares her journey as a COO, the lessons learned from her career, and the vision behind Baryons. The conversation concludes with predictions for the future of learning and development, emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach in the age of AI. Takeaways AI can be a powerful tool for personal growth. The adaptation gap is a significant challenge in today's workforce. Flourishing is essential for mental health and productivity. Diane's journey highlights the importance of adaptability. Baryons aims to be a companion for personal transformation. The future of work requires a focus on human connection. Learning professionals must embrace AI to enhance their impact. Success in the future will depend on storytelling and wisdom. We need to prioritize mental wealth in our lives. Exploring different tools can lead to better outcomes. Watch the full episode Designing for Human Flourishing- Diane Weaver on AI Companions, the Adaptation Gap, and Why Learning Professionals Are Built for This Moment

Summary In this episode of The LX Ops Show, Jason Gorman sits down with Dan Streeter, CEO of Mission Fuel, to explore how AI is rapidly transforming the learning and development profession. Dan shares the pivotal moment in November 2022 when ChatGPT reshaped his vision for instructional design- and why he believes L&D professionals now have the most important job in the world. The conversation dives into automation, personalized learning, workforce disruption, and the ethical tensions surrounding AI adoption. From accelerating e-learning production to preparing for large-scale reskilling, this episode challenges learning professionals to lead in an era of unprecedented change. If you work in education, training, or workplace learning, this conversation is both a wake-up call and a call to action. Takeaways: AI is accelerating instructional design faster than most anticipated. Automation differs dramatically from simply using AI tools manually. L&D professionals must lead the global reskilling transition. Personalized learning is becoming technologically achievable at scale. Ethical judgment matters more than ever in AI adoption. AI will disrupt white-collar jobs at unprecedented speed. Just-in-time learning will redefine workplace performance support. Human expertise remains essential for validating AI-generated learning. Video and robotics advancements are accelerating faster than expected. Learning professionals may hold the world’s most critical role today. Watch the full episode The Reskilling Imperative- Dan Streeter on Why L&D Has the Most Important Job on the Planet Right Now

Summary In this episode of The Learning Experience Ops Show, Jason Gorman talks with Tom Driscoll, CEO of EdTechTeacher, about what it really takes to support educators in the age of AI. Tom challenges the hype around technology and brings the focus back to time, pedagogy, and the human core of learning. The conversation explores how schools can integrate AI responsibly without losing what makes teaching fundamentally social and powerful. Takeaways Time, not money, is the biggest barrier to scaling innovation. Teachers need protected time to experiment and build confidence. Engagement matters more than doubling down on remediation drills. AI arrived faster than schools were prepared to handle. Leadership excitement often overlooks classroom realities and constraints. Leaders must use AI themselves before setting expectations. Learning is inherently social and cannot be fully automated. AI should support instruction, not design the entire experience. Schools must protect core subjects while adopting new technologies. The future of education requires intentional instructional design Watch the full episode Designing the Future of Teaching- Tom Driscoll on Supporting Educators, Scaling What Works, and Navigating AI Responsibly

Summary In this conversation, Jason Gorman, founder and CEO of Jackrabbit LX, discusses the importance of understanding learner context in education, the shift from content creation to consulting, and the common mistakes organizations make in instructional design. He emphasizes the need for effective measurement of learning outcomes and the integration of AI in learning environments. Gorman also highlights the significance of building relationships in business and shares his vision for empowering organizations to expand their impact. Takeaways There's an over-indexing on what should the content be. We all have had bad online training experiences. Organizations need to focus on learner context. Good storytelling enhances learning retention. Measuring skills mastery is critical for success. AI can enhance learning experiences significantly. Building relationships is key to business success. Consulting is becoming a larger part of our services. Empowering organizations leads to greater impact. The future of learning is a work in progress. Watch the full episode: Actually Impactful Learning Experiences with Jackrabbit LX- Hosted by Oliver Lief  

Summary In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Andrea Flores explore the evolving landscape of education in the context of AI. They discuss the importance of thoughtful discourse around AI's role in education, Andrea's personal motivations and career journey, and the essential skills and mindsets needed for future challenges. The conversation delves into the need for a redesign of educational systems to better align with industry demands and the impact of education on societal outcomes. They also touch on the importance of measuring educational impact and envisioning a future where AI enhances learning experiences rather than replaces human insight. Takeaways There's a need for thoughtful discourse on AI in education. Andrea's background in engineering influences her design thinking. Improving quality of life for learners is a core motivation. AI can augment design processes but should not replace human insight. Systems thinking is crucial for understanding educational ecosystems. Project management skills are essential in learning design. Curiosity and adaptability are key mindsets for educators. AI can help identify skills gaps in learners. Rethinking education requires collaboration among stakeholders. Measuring educational impact involves both qualitative and quantitative metrics. Watch the full episode: Episode 10: Turn School Into Problem Solving- Andrea Flores on Real World Learning That Sticks

Summary In this conversation, Jason Gorman and Mariana Ganapini delve into the ethical implications of AI, exploring the need for stillness in understanding these issues. They discuss the importance of applied theory in AI governance, the challenges posed by AI in education, and the concept of trust in AI systems. Mariana emphasizes the need for a rights-based approach to responsible AI, highlighting the importance of context in learning and the evolving role of humans in an AI-driven world. Takeaways The need for stillness to think through ethical implications of AI. AI's rapid pace makes it difficult to consider ethical issues. Responsible AI aims to create safe and fair machines. Students' reliance on AI tools may hinder their reading skills. Trust in AI involves both reliability and understanding intentions. Evaluation measures for AI outputs are becoming more established. Human roles in learning must be redefined in an AI context. A rights-based approach to AI is essential for ethical governance. The influence of AI on education requires careful consideration. Context is crucial for effective learning experiences. Watch the full episode: Philosopher in the Loop- Marianna Ganapini on Redesigning AI with Reflection, Not Just Speed

Summary In this episode of the Learning Experience Ops show, Jason Gorman interviews Jonathan Thayer, Chief Data and AI Architect at K2 United. They discuss Jonathan's extensive career in e-learning and AI, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace, and the importance of agile methodologies in integrating AI into business processes. Jonathan shares insights on the evolving role of AI, the significance of data access, and the need for governance in AI applications. He also emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience with AI and the value of interpersonal communication in navigating the complexities of AI transformation. Takeaways AI is rapidly changing the landscape of work, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The creative aspects of work may be significantly impacted by AI. Adopting agile methodologies can enhance project management and adaptability. Citizen developers can leverage AI tools without needing extensive programming knowledge. Monitoring AI performance is essential for ensuring quality and effectiveness. AI can assist in automating both structured and unstructured tasks. Data access is a critical factor in realizing the value of AI. There is no single solution for AI integration; a combination of tools is necessary. Passive observation can provide insights into the effectiveness of AI implementations. Hands-on experience with AI is crucial for understanding its capabilities and limitations. Watch the full episode: Governing the AI Shift- Jonathan Thayer on Architecting AI, Agile Governance, and Human-Centered Transformation  

Summary In this episode of the Learning Experience Operations Show, hosts Jason Gorman and James Altman reflect on their experiences from the previous year and outline their plans for 2026. They discuss the importance of community engagement through events, the challenges of navigating change and overwhelm in the workplace, and the balance between maintaining fundamental practices while embracing experimentation. The conversation also delves into the complexities of business operations, the role of AI, and the necessity of human judgment in decision-making. They emphasize the need for comfort with ambiguity and the creative aspects of entrepreneurship, concluding with a call to action for listeners to engage with their community.   Takeaways The importance of community engagement through events. Change fatigue is a real challenge for many professionals. Businesses are complex systems, not machines. Innovation and efficiency often conflict with each other. Embracing discomfort is essential in a rapidly changing environment. Comfort with ambiguity can be developed as a skill. Business operations require a creative approach. AI introduces unpredictability that must be managed. No two situations in business are the same. Engaging with the community is vital for growth and learning. Watch the full episode Beyond Optimization: Learning in Motion- Jason & James on Adaptive Leadership, AI's Limits & Designing for Human Connection