Boy, did I wish I had an artificial intelligence (AI) coach peeking over my shoulder when I made the ill-advised decision to upgrade my Mac to Microsoft 365 late on a Friday night last month. After a frustration-fraught, hours-long process left me muttering some choice words and gnashing my teeth, I found out I could only view Word documents but not create or work in them.
I counted down the minutes until Monday, when I could throw myself on the mercy of our resident Webmaster/IT guru. Luckily, after lots of phone time, trial and error, and links to articles with potential answers, my hero solved the problem and prevented me from chucking my computer out the window and announcing my earlier-than-anticipated retirement.
And that was just a “simple” technology upgrade. I can only imagine what’s in store as tech continues to make advances at the speed of light—from extended reality simulations to blockchain and hyper-personalized AI coaches to holographic mentors. In that regard, tech can have a “Jekyll and Hyde” vibe as it can bring positive change but also hidden costs and frustration. In our cover story, Imagining the Possibilities, six tech experts weigh in to help you imagine the learning and development possibilities presented by evolving technologies while sidestepping potential pitfalls and figuring out how to stay ahead of the learning curve.
One of those tech experts, Karl Kapp, will present a series of 2025 Webinars (Feb. 6, Mar. 27, Apr. 22, and May 22) on how to use emerging technologies to create action-first learning experiences. To learn more and register, visit: https://bit.ly/KarlKapp-at-TMN
If you want to find out about the most effective L&D tools and solutions today, look no further than the 2024 Training Magazine Network Choice Awards winners and check out the online directory at www.trainingmagnetwork.com/awards. Thanks to all those who voted, and congratulations to the winners!