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The world of corporate learning is at a crossroads. For decades, technological advancements have shaped how organizations train and develop their teams. From the early days of CD-ROM-based courses to the rise of mobile learning and VR, each leap in tech has sparked innovation — and created new challenges.

Now, AI is stepping into the spotlight, promising to transform corporate training once again. But this time, the game is different. AI isn’t just about efficiency or cost-cutting; it’s about empowering instructional designers to create immersive, learner-centered experiences that blend engagement with impact.

Empowering Instructional Designers to Build Immersive Learning Experiences With AI

, dives into how AI can help learning professionals overcome the age-old tension between efficiency and engagement. You’ll discover how tools powered by AI enable designers to focus on what they do best: crafting pedagogy-rich, impactful learning moments without being hindered by technical limitations.

This article, published on Training Industry Inc., highlights AI’s pivotal role in reshaping corporate learning. Training Industry Inc. is recognized as a global leader in sharing insights and best practices in the learning and development field. As one of the most influential platforms for L&D professionals, the site offers unparalleled access to research, trends, and thought leadership. Visit www.trainingindustry.com to explore more content on the cutting edge of corporate training.

From leveraging AI for scenario-based learning to enhancing sensory immersion and real-world simulations, the potential for transformation is enormous. Immersive learning is no longer a costly dream — it’s an achievable reality.

To help bring AI-powered immersive learning to life, the article includes tips by our instructional design expert, 

Check these out for implementing scenario-based learning effectively:

Begin with mini-scenarios targeting key skills: 

Mini-scenarios are less complex to design but offer depth, allowing learners to make realistic decisions without needing full-scale simulations.

Leverage AI for adaptive branching, custom feedback, and virtual facilitators to enhance engagement without requiring extensive programming.

Prioritize engagement through sensory and interactive elements: 

Incorporate multimedia, audio cues, and gamification to immerse learners in the experience.

Collect feedback for continuous improvement: 

Regularly gather insights from learners to refine scenarios, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

 and explore how AI is reshaping the corporate learning landscape.

Let’s reimagine what’s possible for learners — and for those who design their journeys!

This is a summary of an article by our Chief Product Officer, Lars-Petter W. Kjos, featured in Training Industry, Inc.

Unlocking the future of learning: How AI is empowering instructional designers

How can I future-proof my skills in learning design? Will AI replace instructional designers? We knew Robin Sargent, Ph.D., would be the perfect person to ask! And Stine Snekkenes, learning design expert at We Are Learning, did just that. 

, the powerhouse behind IDOL Academy, who is transforming online learning. Let’s dive into her journey and discover how you can become a creative, next-generation instructional designer and content creation hero!


From passion to profession: A path into instructional design


Like many in the field, Robin didn’t start her career in instructional design. It all began in 2010 when she became an Online Program Manager, thriving on the blend of creativity, analytics, and project management — essentials for any instructional designer.

She loved building out the Learning Management System (LMS) and training faculty while advising students. This led her to wonder, “Is there a job where I can do this all day?”

After relentless research, Robin discovered instructional design roles in corporate settings. She explored resources like blogs from experts such as Christy Tucker and took classes in HTML and web design. “After a while, someone took a chance on me. I landed that job, and my career skyrocketed,” she shares.

Fast forward to today: the role of an instructional designer is no longer a hidden gem. While there’s still progress to be made, Dr. Sargent is leading the way. She’s impressed by the diverse backgrounds of her students at IDOL Academy. People from all walks of life, i.e., educators, graphic designers, and healthcare professionals, are discovering this exciting career path and preparing to join the next wave of instructional design.

What defines the next-generation instructional designer?

The next-generation instructional designer isn’t an accidental find; they are purposeful in their pursuit. They understand that the job is more than creating training materials; it requires knowledge of learning theories, technology integration, and effective pedagogy.

“The next generation is very different from the old guard,” Robin explains. “The requirements, approach, and access to technology have changed. They’re expected to have tech skills from the jump, giving them an advantage over those who resist updating their skills.”

They are the Swiss Army knives of instructional design. They can do it all.

They can be creative content creators, savvy project managers, and experts in needs analysis, allowing them to craft engaging e-learning experiences. She explains that this versatility makes them a better investment than those who only dabble in one area and aren’t willing to keep learning.

Must-have skills for instructional designers

According to Dr. Sargent, aspiring next-gen instructional designers should focus on building these key skills:

Learn to assess learner needs and identify performance gaps.

Be able to read and interpret data to inform design decisions.

Manage your time and resources effectively, and learn to work with others.

Apply best practices in instructional design and multimedia principles.

Master verbal, written, and visual communication for effective collaboration.

Robin likes to think of these skills in “buckets.” She advises, “Get a little bit of every single one of those buckets and do your best to upskill while trying to land that job. Then, keep improving in each bucket as you gain experience.”

The recipe for designing effective learning experiences

Of course, we asked Robin about the ultimate goal of our roles: delivering effective learning experiences. She answered that while there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, certain strategies have proven effective. For instance, dual coding, real-life scenarios, and self-assessments can help learners absorb new information. “In corporate settings, it’s simple,” Dr. Sargent says.

Put learners in the behaviors and actions they need to practice to master the skills that help them solve real problems. That’s how you create an effective learning experience.

Check out some examples of simulations, made with We Are:


Dr. Sargent offers a blueprint for success in 

, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learning Developers (IDOLs), where she dives deeper into these strategies.

AI in instructional design. What does it mean for us?

Ah, the dreaded blank screen! Instructional design often means facing a mountain of data, like a 400-slide presentation from your SME. But with artificial intelligence, things are changing!

AI can tackle tedious tasks, letting you, the instructional designer, focus on creativity and strategy. Here are 3 key implications:

: AI automates data management and repetitive tasks. “It really frees you up to do more critical thinking,” says Robin.

, you can transform any PDF into a full-blown interactive course in seconds. We call the 3D animated, video-like output: a Story!

 The rise of AI is an opportunity to deepen your expertise in instructional design! Robin recommends learning about neuroscience, learning science and theories, and evidence-based practices. Remember, “you still need to check what the AI generates to ensure it meets your standards.”

AI is paving the way for more realistic and immersive learning scenarios! With We Are’s Open Response feature, learners can interact with a virtual “customer,” responding in real-time instead of just choosing A, B, or C. “This approach creates more immersive and effective learning experiences,” confirms Dr. Sargent. See We Are's Open Response in action below.

She adds, “What has been holding us back from being more effective in e-learning? Technology. But now, we’re seeing tools that drive us toward what we know works in learning.”

And while AI is a fantastic tool, Robin emphasizes, “I don't see it replacing anybody.”

Your path to becoming a next-generation instructional designer

Becoming an instructional designer is an achievable goal for anyone willing to put in the effort! As Robin emphasizes, it all starts with knowing your “why.” Understanding what drives your passion for creating impactful learning experiences is essential.

The future of instructional design is bright, and there’s a place for you in it! With dedication, the right skills, and tools, you can make a real impact in the world of learning. 

, founded and led by Dr. Robin Sargent. Their state-authorized vocational school and certifications empower you to acquire essential practical skills, and continuously enhance your expertise while advancing your career.
--

 We think you’ll love our upcoming webinar featuring more insights from Robin and a demo of We Are — the next-generation course authoring tool for immersive learning (with incredible 3D animations)! 

With insights from IDOL Academy's Dr. Robin Sargent

Becoming a next-generation instructional designer

Imagine being on a busy sales floor or at a construction site — able to practice making real-world decisions without having to be there. That’s the power of immersive learning: it lets you step into lifelike environments to build and refine your skills. This approach is revolutionizing corporate training, making it more realistic and effective than ever with tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Research even shows it can

. And thanks to AI, creating these experiences is easier and more affordable than you might think.

So, what’s immersive learning, and how can you bring it to life in your corporate training programs? Let’s dive in!


In an immersive learning experience, learners are not just observers, they’re in the driver’s seat. In a nutshell, immersive learning is a pedagogical approach that bridges the gap between learning and doing. It offers learners a safe, typically digital space to practice and perfect skills.

Originally developed with flight simulators, immersive learning now uses various engagement methods to create real-world training experiences.

Created through branching paths, scenario-based training allows learners’ decisions to drive outcomes. Perfect for developing soft skills like leadership and sales.

Fully immersive environments for deep engagement, ideal for complex scenarios like medical training or machinery operation.

Overlays digital information into the real world, enhancing tasks like product assembly and customer interaction.

Virtual spaces where learners can safely practice skills, such as navigating a construction site, without real-world risks.

In immersive learning, creating relatable experiences is key. Characters can play a crucial role in making scenarios feel dynamic and engaging. They add depth and realism, turning training into memorable, lifelike experiences. Our favorite type are 

, especially when they’re high-quality and versatile like the ones in We Are. These truly bring content to life, making training as impactful as possible.

Why immersive learning for corporate training

Immersive learning is more than a trend, it’s a game-changer, especially when combined with AI. 

 found that employees trained with VR were up to 4X faster to train and 275% more confident in applying what they learned compared to traditional methods. Here’s why immersive learning is a game-changer for corporate environments:

Immersive environments captivate learners, keeping their attention and curiosity alive.

Active participation helps learners retain information, making skills easier to recall and apply.

 It bridges the gap between theory and practice, leading to better on-the-job performance.

AI makes it easier to create immersive learning content, automating tasks such as scriptwriting, making it easy to create adaptive learning experiences. No specialized skills needed!

Scenario-based learning has been a go-to in corporate training, especially for soft skills like sales, customer service, and leadership. Immersive learning takes this further, offering realistic environments where employees can practice in real-world scenarios.

As tech advances and Gen Z enters the workforce, immersive learning meets their tech-savvy expectations. In fact, 

94% of Gen Z believes technology is essential to their education,

 highlighting the need for interactive, VR, and AR-driven training.

Ready to jump in? Instructional designer, Stine S. Snekkenes shares 6 tips to help you create immersive learning experiences. 

In sum, Stine from We Are Learning recommends that you:

"I am super excited that I get to create real-life scenario-based training every day. And AI-powered immersive learning is a real game-changer," shares this learning design pro. 

Seeing is believing, and immersive learning truly shines when you see it in action! Here are some examples:

Imagine training your retail team in a virtual store created with We Are. Employees can practice everything from customer service to inventory management, all within a highly interactive 3D animated environment. Here’s a sample We Are Story.

In the Story below, employees can face a common situation in a controlled virtual environment, learning critical safety procedures without the real-world risks.

Want to create your own interactive, immersive content piece like these? At We Are Learning, we call these Stories. 

How to get started with immersive learning

Excited to bring immersive learning to your team? Here’s how to get started:

Identify key training areas like onboarding or skills development where immersive learning can make an impact.

Kick-off with an explainer video or a basic interactive simulation.

Opt for AI-powered, user-friendly content creation tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. Note: high-quality visuals make a big difference!

Roll out your first project to a small group, gather feedback, and fine-tune.

Continuously experiment with new formats — immersive learning thrives on creativity.

This approach is more than a new way to train. Immersive learning is about creating experiences that don’t just educate — they inspire and empower your team to achieve greatness. Why wait to jump on the bandwagon? The future of training is here, and it’s immersive.

Think creating immersive content is out of your reach? Think again! With We Are, anyone can create 3D animated videos and interactive simulations like a pro. 

It's immersive learning made simple. With tips from an instructional designer!

Immersive learning: What is it and how to bring it to life

 – June 6, 2024 – We Are Learning today announced that it has been selected as the winner of the “Course Authoring Solution of the Year” award in the 6th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by 

, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market.

We Are is an affordable SaaS model powered by AI that enables companies to create engaging high-end learning content like interactive stories, 3D simulations, 3D animations, and visuals for their Learning Management System (LMS) without any external consultants.

The breakthrough tool empowers content creation that is rich, interactive, and impactful. With We Are, anyone can author high-quality learning content in minutes with no need to hire experts such as scriptwriters, animators, voice-over actors, or game developers. These tasks are instead supported by Aico - the Artificial intelligence-powered helper. Creators have the choice to utilize Aico to write dialogue scripts, create voices for their avatars, and auto-translate to any language.

We Are requires no specialized skills in areas such as game design, programming, or 3D modeling, allowing anyone to develop immersive learning content with the easy-to-use tool. We Are is a Power-Plug-in for any LMS or e-learning platform, giving total control over how that learning is distributed and measured.

“We Are allows anyone to create 3D learning content like interactive stories, simulations, and animations in minutes. Engagement is key to learning, and attention-grabbing content is vital for communication. However, high-end production is expensive, time-consuming, and requires expert competence,” said Steve Johansson, managing director, of EdTech Breakthrough. “We Are is an invitation for anyone to create content that truly engages in just a few minutes, whether it's producing a 3D animated video for social media or an interactive learning game. Creating amazing interactive stories and course authoring has never been easier.”

We Are is an invitation for anyone to create content that truly engages in just a few minutes, whether it's producing a 3D animated video for social media or an interactive learning game. Creating amazing interactive stories and course authoring has never been easier.

The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize innovation, hard work, and success in a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, Remote Learning, Career Preparation, and many more. This year’s program attracted thousands of nominations from over 17 different countries throughout the world.

“We like to say that we are on a mission to make anyone a content creation hero. Having great ideas and creative flow often stops when you realize you need to hire expensive experts to help out. With We Are those days are over. We Are was born out of our desire to create seamless learning experiences that fully immerse the user while empowering them to take action,” said Rolf Risnes, CEO at We Are Learning. “We’re proud to receive the ‘Course Authoring Solution of the Year’ award from EdTech Breakthrough. Our years of experience in this space will enable us to keep redefining and developing We Are into a learning tool that enables content creators to create personalized, AI-powered learning experiences like pros.”

We’re proud to receive the ‘Course Authoring Solution of the Year’ award from EdTech Breakthrough. Our years of experience in this space will enable us to keep redefining and developing We Are into a learning tool that enables content creators to create personalized, AI-powered learning experiences like pros.

, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies, and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM, and more. For more information, visit 

Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, concerning this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

We Are Learning aims to make everyone a ‘Content Creation Hero’. Founded in 2022 by serial entrepreneurs Rolf Risnes (CEO) and Lars-Petter W. Kjos (CPO), along with Atle Myhrer Knudtzon and Markus Tallaksen Halvorsen, our Oslo-based EdTech company draws on over 20 years of experience in building companies in communication, technology, gaming, and learning.

We Are Learning offers a revolutionary tool that allows anyone to create high-quality 3D animations and interactive learning simulations in minutes.

We Are already has a user base that includes leading companies such as Volvo, REMA 1000, Apokus, and Stockholm School Of Business.

Its international team, consisting of 20 experts in AI, game development, 3D design, user interaction, and pedagogy from over six different countries, has created a top-notch content production tool that everyone can benefit from!

Rolf Risnes, CEO at We Are Learning
Mobile: + 47 913 43 205
Email: rolf@wearelearning.io 

Prestigious international awards program honors outstanding educational technology products and companies