DevLearn Las Vegas 2024 offered a wealth of insights into what’s to come for the Learning and Development (L&D) industry. From aligning learning operations with business objectives to harnessing cutting-edge technologies like AI and gamification, this year’s sessions highlighted key strategies and
1. Operational Excellence in L&D: Building Scalable Frameworks with a LOB
No, no. Not the trendy long bob haircut that has been lovingly dubbed a LOB, but instead a Learning Operations Blueprint. A recurring theme was the necessity of aligning L&D initiatives with business objectives. Tracie Cantu, Chief Learning Strategist with Your CLO, emphasized that successful L&D operations begin with clearly defined processes and workflows, guided by a Learning Operations Blueprint (LOB).
By focusing on simplifying, automating, and enabling self-service systems, organizations can enhance their operational capacity. Tracie emphasized that platforms and tools are only as effective as the processes behind them, and that L&D must define clear workflows, analyze team skills, and leverage technology to refine and scale operations. This approach not only improves efficiency but also positions L&D as a critical strategic partner within organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- SASS Redefined: Simplify, Automate, Self-Serve (SASS) processes to drive efficiency.
- Core Processes Matter: Standard operating procedures (SOPs), resource allocation, and workflow analysis are foundational to scaling L&D operations.
- Innovation is Key: Piloting new tools and utilizing AI can drive agility and operational excellence.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Moving beyond vanity metrics to focus on actionable insights ensures L&D’s strategic alignment with organizational goals.
2. Designing for Failure: Simulation-Based Learning
Productive failure. Sounds counterintuitive, right? Yet, Raven Reddoch and Rory Penman’s (International Academies of Emergency Dispatch) session on simulation-based learning highlighted the concept of “productive failure,” which reframes mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. By allowing learners to make errors in controlled environments, they can better retain information and develop real-world skills.
This approach is particularly useful for industries requiring hands-on application, as it motivates learners to engage deeply with the material while building their confidence. The session also underscored the importance of providing feedback that sticks, helping learners internalize the correct actions without feeling punished for their mistakes.
Failure, when supported by constructive feedback, motivates learners and reinforces learning. A tool like AI video assignments can provide real-time feedback and help make the process scalable and more efficient.
Key Takeaways:
- Simulations drive retention by mimicking real-world challenges.
- Failure, when supported by constructive feedback, motivates learners and reinforces learning.
- Real-world skill development benefits from interactive, experience-driven methodologies.
3. Collaborative and Engaging Virtual Learning: From Interactive Elements to Cohorts
There’s been a shift from passive, lecture-style training to more dynamic, community-driven virtual learning experiences. Cohort-based learning strategies, as demonstrated in Cohort Learning Strategies: 5 Tips with Examples to Skyrocket Engagement by Tim Chudy (Intrepid by VitalSource), further amplify this impact by encouraging peer collaboration, social accountability, and real-time feedback, making learning both interactive and meaningful.
Sessions like Design Dynamic Virtual Learning Using AI-Powered Tools by Allyncia Williams (LA Care) showed us how incorporating interactive elements such as breakout rooms and whiteboards can foster active participation. By blending these tools with AI-powered narrative designs, organizations can create immersive environments that enhance learner engagement and knowledge retention.
Key Takeaways:
- Incorporate cohort-based learning strategies like live discussions and shared projects to build collaboration and accountability.
- Use AI to create story-driven, immersive virtual training.
- Foster learner engagement through tools such as breakout rooms, polls, and whiteboards, aligning these with clear learning objectives.
These approaches ensure learners are not only engaged but also empowered to apply their new skills effectively in real-world contexts.
4. The Transformative Role of AI in L&D
“It doesn’t do it ‘automagically,” as Matt Donovan with GP Strategies would put it. Yet, AI is reshaping the way L&D professionals plan, design, and deliver learning, requiring a blend of technical literacy and human-centered approaches. Joined by Jeff Fishel, the GP Strategies team debunked five AI myths.
- AI is a magic wand
- AI will replace humans
- AI understands everything
- AI will make everyone a genius
- AI will instantly yield an ROI
AI needs human expertise to guide it because the data going in matters, AI doesn’t know what good looks like, and there’s a difference between translation versus generation. AI thrives when paired with skilled professionals who guide its application.
Kara Swisher’s keynote session on Navigating Tech Transformation reinforced this point, highlighting the need for ethical considerations, transparency, and workforce upskilling to navigate AI’s growing presence. Already, AI is enabling L&D professionals to automate tasks, personalize content, and improve analytics, but its real potential lies in how humans leverage it to create meaningful learning experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- AI complements human expertise, offering support in content creation, data analysis, and personalized learning.
- Organizations need to focus on ethical use, transparency, and upskilling their workforce to work with AI tools.
- AI enables tasks like creating immersive experiences, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering adaptive learning.
5. Gamification and Immersive Learning
Gamification remains a powerful tool for engagement, as evidenced by sessions like Insight’s corporate eLearning quests. By integrating virtual environments that mimic real-world settings, organizations can create training experiences that feel both relevant and enjoyable.
Techniques such as awarding coins, badges, and other incentives foster a sense of accomplishment, motivating learners to engage more deeply with the material. These gamified approaches are especially impactful for employee onboarding, where new hires can navigate virtual representations of their workplace, explore company values, and complete interactive challenges to build confidence and understanding.
Gamification, coupled with immersive elements like AI voiceovers, scripts, and outlines, supports both practical skill-building and cultural integration, making it an effective strategy for onboarding and ongoing development. This combination helps organizations foster a culture of continuous learning while keeping learners motivated and engaged.
Key Takeaways:
- Virtual environments that mimic real-world settings help learners connect with organizational culture.
- Coins, badges, and rewards incentivize participation and foster engagement.
- AI tools can accelerate content creation, including scripts, voiceovers, and outlines for gamified lessons.
6. Future Tech Trends: Insights from the Keynotes
The keynote sessions during DevLearn were always met with a room full of L&D professionals that are ready to take on the industry’s newest, or recurring, challenges. A lot of head nodding and standing in applause solidified the messages given by Dani Johnson (RedThread Research), David Kelly (The Learning Guild), and Kara Swisher (Recode) on how technology is influencing L&D.
Microlearning, personalized learning, and mixed reality (AR and VR) are gaining traction as learners seek flexible, tailored experiences. Interoperability—connecting different systems for seamless functionality—was also highlighted as critical to future success.
Additionally, Dani Johnson emphasized the growing demand for upskilling in areas like AI literacy, data analysis, and emotional intelligence, which are increasingly important as L&D professionals take on more strategic roles within their organizations.
Key Takeaways:
The sessions underscored a clear message for L&D professionals: the role of L&D is evolving. To remain relevant, professionals need to:
- Develop New Skills: From AI literacy to strategic thinking, the skillsets required for L&D are expanding.
- Adopt a Strategic Mindset: Align learning initiatives with broader organizational goals.
- Focus on Human Connection: Leverage technology to enhance, not replace, meaningful human interactions.
7. Building Connections in Virtual Training
Last one! One of the standout themes at DevLearn 2024 was the growing importance of community as a cornerstone of continuous learning. Attendees highlighted a common challenge: how can they make virtual training feel more personal and interactive? Meaningful connections among learners—whether through discussions, shared insights, or collaborative problem-solving—are increasingly recognized as critical for driving engagement and fostering lasting professional networks.
This focus on community aligns with the launch of Intrepid’s new Community feature, which enhances cohort-based learning by enabling learners to collaborate and engage before, during, and after training programs. It can also be used for standalone communities such as alumni networks, mentorship hubs, and onboarding groups. It’s an exciting step forward in ensuring virtual learning experiences are truly connected and impactful.
Key Takeaways:
- Community fosters engagement, collaboration, and lasting professional networks.
- Discussions and shared insights drive deeper connections in virtual training.
- Prioritizing community makes virtual learning more personal and impactful.
Let’s recap the trends that stood out at DevLearn 2024.
- Operational Excellence and Scalability: Aligning L&D with business goals through streamlined processes and data-driven decision-making.
- Simulation-Based Learning: Using “productive failure” to improve real-world skill development and retention.
- Collaborative and Engaging Virtual Learning: Incorporating tools like breakout rooms, whiteboards, and cohort-based learning strategies to foster engagement, collaboration, and accountability in virtual training.
- Artificial Intelligence as an Enabler: Leveraging AI to automate, personalize, and innovate learning while maintaining ethical oversight.
- Gamification for Immersive Skill Building: Integrating gamified elements like badges, leaderboards, and immersive virtual environments to motivate learners and create enjoyable, effective onboarding and upskilling experiences.
- Emerging Technologies and Upskilling for the Future: Adopting microlearning, personalized learning, AR/VR, and interoperability for seamless learning experiences along with equipping L&D professionals with new skills like AI literacy, data analysis, and emotional intelligence.
- Fostering Connections Through Community Building: Enhancing virtual training with tools to create spaces for meaningful interaction, collaboration, and long-term networking among learners.
DevLearn 2024 showcased the exciting possibilities for the future of learning and development. By embracing innovation and maintaining a learner-centric approach, L&D teams can drive real, measurable impact.
What trends stood out most to you at DevLearn 2024? Let’s continue the conversation and we look forward to seeing you at DevLearn 2025!
