This session explores the practical boundaries between human decision-making and AI-supported work in instructional design. It introduces a clear distinction between traditional automation and generative AI and examines how each can be used effectively without compromising accuracy, compliance, or defensibility. Grounded in experience across military, education, and DOE-aligned training environments, this session focuses on the realities of designing training in high-consequence, regulated contexts where decisions must be auditable and outcomes must be defensible. Through real-world examples and contrasting use cases, we will explore where AI can act as a true force multiplier, where it introduces hidden risks, and how to distinguish between the two.
You will:
- Understand the safe use of AI in highly regulated contexts
- Distinguish between effective and potentially risky uses of AI in learning design
- Apply a practical framework for evaluating when and how AI might be used appropriately and which elements must remain human-owned
