We are witnessing a paradox emerge in the corporate landscape. While artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and redefining the workplace, organisations constantly grapple with adapting to these rapid technological advancements.

AI can automate routine tasks and enhance decision-making, acting as a powerful catalyst for innovation across sectors. Yet, many institutions find themselves at a critical juncture, caught between the promise of these new tools and the uncertainty of effectively integrating them into their existing frameworks. This quandary is especially true in learning and development, where the need for upskilling has never been more urgent.

 

Paving the way

Good Roads, a respected municipal association in Ontario dedicated to improving road quality and safety since 1894, is embracing these crossroads with optimism and a clear goal — to transform uncertainty into opportunities for learning innovation. The challenge was not to keep pace but to champion change, particularly regarding artificial intelligence (AI).

Faced with the imperative to harness AI for educational advancement, Good Roads embarked on a transformative journey that bridged knowledge gaps and empowered its team to leverage technology for enhanced productivity and efficiency. This journey reflects a universal struggle: how do we adapt to new technologies that promise to revolutionise our work while also feeling overwhelmed by their complexity?

For Good Roads, this challenge was compounded by a lack of clarity regarding the specific skills and knowledge needed to successfully integrate AI into their educational programs. Eric Young, Manager of Education at Good Roads, recognised the urgency of this transition but faced significant hurdles in identifying a clear path forward.

The breakthrough came during a pivotal discovery call with ELB Learning, illuminating the specific needs that would enable Good Roads to harness AI effectively. It was not merely about adopting new tools but about fostering a learning culture that empowered employees to engage with technology confidently. This realisation set the stage for a tailored upskilling program designed to meet the firms unique challenges.

 

Immersive, exploratory, actionable

The proposed solution was an AI IQ workshop series — an interactive training initiative explicitly crafted for the Good Roads team. Forget boring lectures; these workshops included immersive experiences where participants could explore AI concepts through hands-on activities. These sessions transformed theoretical knowledge into actionable skills by focusing on practical applications like prompt creation for AI tools.

Good Roads has experienced remarkable advancements in its learning and development initiatives as a result. The organisation can now quickly convert in-person courses into eLearning formats, extending its reach to municipalities that previously faced barriers to training due to travel constraints. This shift not only enhances accessibility but also democratises knowledge across regions.

Additionally, AI has become invaluable in identifying learning objectives and crafting engaging content. From generating scripts for animations to creating comprehensive training modules and assessment, integrating AI tools has enriched the quality of education at Good Roads. The L&D team now employs AI for various tasks — creating scenario-based activities, writing assessment questions in a variety of styles, and ensuring content is at an appropriate reading level for the learners — ultimately enhancing productivity and effectiveness.

 

Cultural shift

While Eric maintains a cautious approach towards AI implementation — ensuring that subject matter experts review AI-generated content — the efficiency gains have been undeniable. This balance between innovation and oversight exemplifies a thoughtful approach to embracing technology without compromising quality or integrity.

This transformation goes beyond mere productivity metrics; it speaks to a deeper cultural shift within Good Roads — a shift towards continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape. As municipalities across Ontario strive for better infrastructure and road safety, Good Roads stands ready as a participant and a leader in this vital mission.

The Good Roads journey is not just about overcoming obstacles; it is about envisioning a future where technology serves as an ally rather than an adversary. Employees who feel uncertain about using AI can be equipped with skills that empower them to leverage tools confidently in their day-to-day roles. As we continue to evolve with these ever-shifting artificial intelligence and digital transformations, our willingness to learn and adapt quickly will ultimately shape our success.

 

Preeti GT 

Director, Marketing at ELB Learning