As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in the field of learning and development (L&D), industrial-organizational psychologists are tasked with assessing its practical application and potential impact. This interactive workshop offers a structured approach to evaluating AI-based applications in L&D, focusing on the utility of AI, without overstating its capabilities. By addressing both opportunities and limitations, the session will equip participants to make informed decisions regarding the use of AI in L&D.

Participants will engage with a variety of real-world applications of AI—including the automation of content creation and delivery, adaptive learning pathways, and virtual coaching—before being introduced to a structured approach to comprehensively evaluate their effectiveness. This evaluation process will cover not only the functionality of the AI tools but also important considerations such as bias, transparency, and data security, all of which are critical for maintaining fair and ethical learning environments.

Our goal is to demonstrate the value AI can bring and provide participants with the insights and practical tools to ensure a balanced, evidence-based approach to evaluating AI-based applications in learning and development.

Questions? Contact the Program Coordinator: Josh Allen, PhD, Walmart

 

Presenters

Founder and Community Lead
Ben Hawkes
Talent, Assessment & Performance Network (TAPnet)

Ben Hawkes is the Founder and Community Lead of the Talent, Assessment & Performance Network (TAPnet), a global professional network of in-house talent leaders from over forty Fortune 500 and other large organizations. It serves its members through two communities: TAPnet Assessment, dedicated to advancing talent assessment practices and benchmarking, and TAPnet AI for HR which focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in HR functions.

In previous in-house roles, Ben has led the talent assessment practices of GE Aerospace, Activision Blizzard, and Shell International. Prior to this, Ben spent over a decade at IBM Kenexa in senior consulting and product development roles. His ongoing research explores the use of AI to augment I-O and learning workflows, including content generation, virtual coaching, and the personalization of the learner and employee experience. In 2019 he presented “Artificial Intelligence: What Lies Between the Hype and the Hate?” at the SIOP Leading Edge Consortium (LEC).

Ben holds a BSc (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Surrey and the University of North Texas.

AI for HR and Senior People Science Lead
Cassie Colton
Owens Corning

Cassie Colton is the AI for HR and Senior People Science Lead at Owens Corning, where she leads AI initiatives within HR. Her work involves developing AI adoption roadmaps, evaluating third-party AI solutions, and building AI communities of practice through bespoke builds, pilots, and training programs. She has also designed and implemented global engagement surveys, employee voice initiatives, and pre-hire and developmental assessments for large organizations.

Prior to Owens Corning, she was a Vice President in People Science at Goldman Sachs, where she managed enterprise-wide employee assessment and listening efforts. She is also co-founder of the professional network TAPnet AI for HR, which serves in-house practitioners from large organizations and focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in HR functions.

She holds a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Innovation Management from Oregon State University, and an M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Ohio University. Cassie is currently ABD and is expected to complete her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Ohio University in 2025.

Intended Audience

Intermediate: Solid understanding of the basic concepts covered in this learning program is assumed and may not be discussed or only discussed briefly in this learning program. Intended for someone with some experience in this content area. Designed for I-O psychologists, Learning & Development (L&D) professionals, HR specialists, and organizational leaders interested in integrating AI into learning processes. Participants should have foundational knowledge of L&D or HR technologies. No specialist knowledge of artificial intelligence is required.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and list key applications of AI in learning and development (L&D), including tools for I-O and L&D professionals as well as products designed for learners.
  • Describe the benefits and potential risks of AI in L&D applications from the perspective of various stakeholders.
  • Develop strategies to monitor and mitigate risks.
  • Apply a structured framework to evaluate AI-based L&D applications.

Times Offered
All times are in timezone.

  • Wed Apr 2nd 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Wed Apr 2nd 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Delivery Type

In-Person

Certification Type

Continuing Education (CE)

Add to Calendar
All times are in timezone.