Category: lms

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Unlocking the Power of AI: Creating Training Scripts and Voiceovers for ILT and Video-Based Courses

Introduction: How AI is Revolutionizing Training Content Creation

The use of AI in instructional design is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening right now. Whether you’re developing instructor-led training (ILT) scripts, video-based voiceovers, or entire eLearning modules, AI can help speed up content creation while ensuring high-quality, structured, and engaging materials.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity offer instructional designers a way to generate training content efficiently, refine it for different audiences, and optimize for engagement. However, like any tool, AI is only as effective as the input it receives. That’s where well-structured prompts come in. This article contains a high-level introduction to prompting – it will get you started.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

  • How to create concise training objectives using AI
  • How to leverage source materials to improve AI-generated scripts
  • A step-by-step process for generating ILT training scripts
  • How to use AI for voiceover scripts in video-based training
  • How to refine and iterate on AI-generated content to ensure accuracy and engagement
  • How defining a role for AI enhances its output quality

Let’s dive into how to structure prompts effectively and use AI as a powerful co-pilot in training content development.

Using AI to Create Concise Training Objectives

Why Clear Training Objectives Matter

Before jumping into script development, you need a solid foundation: clear learning objectives. Well-defined objectives:

  • Provide a focus for course design and content development
  • Help learners understand what they’ll gain from the training
  • Ensure assessments and activities align with learning goals

A good training objective follows the SMART framework:

  • Specific – Clearly defines what the learner will do
  • Measurable – Can be assessed through evaluation
  • Achievable – Realistic given the learners’ background
  • Relevant – Aligns with business or educational goals
  • Time-bound – Can be completed within the course timeframe

How AI Can Help Craft Training Objectives

AI can generate or refine objectives based on course descriptions, source materials, or SME input.

  • Prompt Example #1:
    “Generate three SMART training objectives for a course on cybersecurity awareness for employees. Keep them clear and action-oriented.”
  • Prompt Example #2:
    “Rewrite these training objectives to be more measurable: [paste current objectives].”
  • Prompt Example #3:
    “Suggest learning objectives for a leadership development program that emphasizes communication and decision-making skills.”

Refining these objectives ensures your training is structured and impactful before moving into scriptwriting.

Using Source Material to Enhance AI-Generated Scripts

Why Provide Source Content?

AI is powerful, but it works best with accurate, high-quality source material. Instead of relying on AI to generate scripts from scratch, providing relevant content ensures accuracy and alignment with your organization’s training needs.

Examples of Useful Source Materials:

  • Existing Documentation: Policies, SOPs, compliance guidelines
  • Training Presentations: Slide decks, instructor guides
  • Recorded Webinars: Transcripts from SME presentations
  • Survey Data: Learner feedback to address training gaps

How to Incorporate Source Material in AI Prompts

Some AIs support the capability to upload source content in its original format like PDFs, Word docs, PowerPoint presentations, etc. In other cases you can:

  1. Copy-paste key sections of your training materials into a prompt
  2. Provide a summary of the key concepts
  3. Specify how you want AI to use the content
  • Prompt Example #1:
    “Using this section from our compliance manual, create a 15-minute ILT training script that explains these policies to employees: [paste content].”
  • Prompt Example #2:
    “Summarize the key takeaways from this training presentation and structure them into a voiceover script for a 3-minute video: [paste slide notes].”
  • Prompt Example #3:
    “Based on this SME transcript, create an interactive ILT session that includes discussion questions and activities: [paste transcript excerpt].”

This approach ensures AI-generated scripts are accurate, relevant, and aligned with your training goals.

Enhancing AI Responses by Defining Its Role

One of the most effective ways to improve AI-generated training content is by assigning a role or background when prompting. This helps AI tailor its responses to the appropriate expertise level, tone, and instructional approach.

For example, instead of a generic request like “Create a training script on cybersecurity,” you can specify:

“Act as a senior instructional designer specializing in corporate compliance training. Develop a 30-minute instructor-led training script on cybersecurity best practices for non-technical employees.”

By clearly defining the AI’s role, you:

  • Ensure the response aligns with industry best practices
  • Receive a more structured and relevant output
  • Get content that matches the tone and expertise level needed for your audience

Examples of Role-Based AI Prompts

1️⃣ For an Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Session:
“Act as a corporate trainer with expertise in leadership development. Create a 45-minute ILT session on emotional intelligence for mid-level managers, including an interactive exercise and a discussion guide.”

2️⃣ For Video-Based Training Voiceovers:
“You are an experienced eLearning scriptwriter specializing in compliance training. Write a 3-minute voiceover script for a video on workplace ethics, using a formal yet engaging tone.”

3️⃣ For Refining Course Learning Objectives:
“Assume the role of a senior instructional designer for a Fortune 500 company. Review these draft learning objectives for an onboarding program and rewrite them to be clearer, more engaging, and measurable.”

By incorporating role-based context into your prompts, you guide AI to generate more precise, relevant, and high-quality content that aligns with industry standards and instructional best practices.

Using AI to Generate Training Content Step-by-Step

To ensure a structured and well-reviewed training course, it’s best to prompt AI to wait before creating content until all course materials have been uploaded and reviewed. AI can then assist with the content generation in an iterative, step-by-step manner.

Step 1: Upload and Review Course Content

  • Before requesting AI to generate content, ensure all source materials are gathered.
  • Use a structured prompt like: “Do not generate any training content yet. First, wait until all course materials are uploaded. Once confirmed, begin by creating a course outline.”

Step 2: Generate a Course Outline

  • Start with a high-level structure before developing full content.
  • Prompt AI with: “Now that the course materials are provided, generate a detailed course outline covering all major topics and subtopics.”

Step 3: Review and Revise the Outline

  • Evaluate the AI-generated outline for completeness and logical flow.
  • Request revisions if needed: “Modify this outline to include a dedicated section on [specific topic] and adjust the flow for better comprehension.”

Step 4: Develop Content in Sections

  • Instead of generating an entire course at once, break it into sections.
  • Prompt AI with: “Using the approved outline, generate the content for Section 1: [topic]. Keep it concise and engaging.”

Step 5: Review and Revise Each Section Before Proceeding

  • After each section is generated, review and refine it before moving to the next.
  • Example follow-up prompt: “Revise this section to include an interactive scenario-based exercise.”

Step 6: Continue the Process Until Completion

  • Repeat the process for each section until the course is fully developed.
  • Ensure final consistency and flow before finalizing the content.

By following this step-by-step approach, AI-generated training content remains structured, well-reviewed, and highly effective.

Unlocking the Potential of AI in Training Design

AI can be an invaluable tool for instructional designers, helping to create, refine, and optimize training scripts efficiently. By structuring prompts effectively, leveraging source material, and refining AI-generated content iteratively, you can enhance both ILT and video-based training experiences.

As AI technology evolves, instructional designers have an opportunity to work smarter, not harder—using AI as a co-pilot to develop engaging, effective learning experiences.

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Tips For LMS Evaluation

In Q3 of 2022, I was the lead in a project to quickly identify a replacement for the company’s existing LMS. The SaaS solution we had been using for six years was acquired by LinkedIn and the solution would no longer be available to us with a short lead time. We had to identify and begin the implementation of a totally new solution in about 3 months. To be fair, in the world of learning management, we are a small corporate learning shop – with approximately 100 courses and 300 learners. However, we were looking to grow rapidly to a catalog of 300 courses and 500 users. Still relatively small, but significant growth for the company.

Here’s the thing, there are lots of quality providers in the LMS space (some duds too). We were budget constrained, so some of the “big” names were off the table almost immediately. We were focused on a core set of specific capabilities at a cost point that fit within our budget parameters.

Some of my takeaways from this intense project follow.

High-Level Evaluation Criteria

Here are some evaluation points we focused on:

  1. Look beyond the surface: Don’t be fooled by flashy marketing or impressive visuals. A quality learning management system should offer features that go beyond aesthetics, such as efficient user navigation, strong security protocols, and solid technical support.
  2. Identify your needs: Before choosing an LMS, it’s essential to understand your organization’s needs and goals for employee development. By doing so, you can find an LMS that aligns with your learning objectives and enhances the learning experience.
  3. Check the data: A robust LMS should provide analytics and insights into learner progress, course completion rates, and assessment results. Analyzing this data can help you fine-tune your training programs and identify areas for improvement.
  4. Consider customization: A learning management system that allows you to customize and personalize the learning experience can increase learner engagement and motivation. Look for an LMS that offers features such as adaptive learning paths, personalized content recommendations, and individualized feedback.
  5. Plan for the future: When evaluating an LMS, consider the scalability and compatibility of the system with other software and tools that you use. The LMS should have the ability to grow with your organization and be adaptable to changes in the future.
  6. Assess the user experience: The user experience is crucial in any software application, and an LMS is no exception. A quality LMS should be easy to use, navigate, and access. Make sure the interface is intuitive and user-friendly, and that learners can find the information they need quickly.
  7. Look for integrations: Many organizations use various software tools to manage different aspects of their business. Look for an LMS that can integrate with other systems, such as HR software or performance management systems. This integration can help streamline your business processes and save time.
  8. Review the support options: Any software system can have issues or glitches, so it’s essential to evaluate the support options when choosing an LMS. Look for a vendor that offers reliable technical support, training resources, and online communities where you can connect with other users.
  9. Consider mobile access: With the rise of mobile devices, it’s crucial that an LMS is mobile-friendly. Look for an LMS that has a responsive design, allowing learners to access courses and content from any device.
  10. Don’t forget about compliance: Compliance is a critical aspect of any training program, especially in regulated industries. Look for an LMS that can help you stay compliant with industry regulations, such as HIPAA or OSHA. The LMS should also offer tools for tracking compliance and generating reports.

We found that by considering these high-level criteria, we were able to find a learning management system that suited our organization’s needs, helped achieve our goals, and provided an engaging learning experience for our learners.

Key Features and Capabilities

The key features you should look for in a learning management system (LMS) can vary depending on your organization’s specific needs and goals. However, here are some essential features that most organizations find useful:

  1. Content creation and management: An LMS should allow you to create, store, and manage various types of content, such as text, audio, video, and interactive content.
  2. Course delivery and management: An LMS should offer tools for delivering and managing courses, such as course calendars, scheduling, and progress tracking.
  3. User management: An LMS should allow you to manage user accounts, including user registration, enrollment, and user groups.
  4. Assessment and testing: An LMS should provide tools for creating and administering assessments and tests, such as quizzes and exams.
  5. Progress tracking and reporting: An LMS should allow you to track learners’ progress and generate reports on their performance.
  6. Mobile accessibility: An LMS should be accessible on mobile devices, enabling learners to access content and courses on the go.
  7. Gamification: An LMS should offer gamification features, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, to increase learner engagement and motivation.
  8. Integration: An LMS should be easily integrable with other systems, such as HR systems, performance management systems, or content management systems.
  9. Personalization and customization: An LMS should allow you to customize the learning experience to suit individual learners, such as offering personalized content recommendations, adaptive learning paths, or individualized feedback.
  10. Social learning and collaboration: An LMS should offer tools for social learning and collaboration, such as discussion forums, group projects, or peer-to-peer assessments.
  11. Multilingual support: An LMS should provide multilingual support to cater to learners who speak different languages.
  12. Accessibility: An LMS should be accessible to learners with disabilities, such as providing closed captions for video content, screen reader support, and other assistive technologies.
  13. Analytics and insights: An LMS should provide analytics and insights to help you measure the effectiveness of your training programs and identify areas for improvement.

By considering these features and others specific to your organization, you can find an LMS that best suits your needs and helps achieve your training and development goals.

And, if you are interested in having a look at my 200 +/- item feature/function/capability matrix, feel free to reach out.