Episode Description
Shiny training is everywhere right now, and a lot of it still fails the moment learners go back to work. We sit down with e-Learning strategist and Ninja Tropic CEO Erick Prospero to get honest about what “engaging” digital learning actually means when outcomes are on the line. If your organization is adding video, animation, gamification, or AI tools and hoping that fixes attention and performance, this conversation gives you a sharper standard: engagement only counts when it drives a real purpose, changes behavior, and connects to measurable business metrics.
We unpack the real work that happens before the first slide or storyboard: training needs analysis, defining the business problem, identifying learner behaviors, and linking lag metrics (the results leaders care about) to lead metrics (the actions that predict those results). Erick also makes a strong case for why “eye candy” is not automatically the enemy. Visual quality, user experience, and story structure can shape credibility and brand perception, whether you sell courses externally through associations or deliver internal corporate training. The difference is using aesthetics to support legitimate practice instead of replacing it.
Then we go deep on AI in e-learning and instructional design. Eric shares a practical way to adopt AI without drowning in tools: find your capacity gap, learn a little about everything, then master a small tool stack. We also explore why AI-powered simulations and chatbots can create more realistic practice than classic branching scenarios, plus what still requires strong human judgment, like alignment, guardrails, and ethical design.
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🔗 Website and Social Links:
Please visit Erick Prospero’s website and social media links below.
📢 Call-to-Action: Visit this YouTube channel called Microlearning Examples to find great resources for building dynamic online training.
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