By Ashley Cooks
Let’s be real—we’ve all heard that “AI is changing everything.” New tools pop up every week, each promising to make learning faster and smarter. But most L&D teams don’t need another shiny solution. We need strategies that actually help people learn, grow, and feel supported.
That’s where pragmatic AI comes in. I use the term to describe AI with intention—not hype. It’s not about replacing designers; it’s about freeing us to do our best work. It’s using AI to enhance clarity, speed, and accessibility while keeping people at the center of every learning experience.
I’ve seen what happens when tech leads instead of humans. The result is content that looks good but lacks connection. But when AI becomes a thoughtful design partner, the outcomes can be inclusive, scalable, and meaningful.
From hype to habit
We’ve moved beyond the experimental stage of AI. Most L&D professionals have used AI to brainstorm, outline, or summarize. Now the real work is figuring out how to integrate AI into our day-to-day processes in a sustainable way.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Empowerment, not replacement—use AI to expand creativity and efficiency
- Equity & accessibility—ensure AI-supported content works for every learner
- Sustainability—use AI to simplify workflows rather than complicate them
A real example: Bridging the Gap
One of my favorite projects involved building position-based training for a multilingual workforce. Employees spoke three languages, and many struggled with reading comprehension. Translation alone wasn’t enough.
We rebuilt the learning experience by:
- Creating role-specific microlearning modules
- Designing visual job aids using icons, diagrams, and color cues
- Simplifying all copy into clear, plain language
- Pairing learners with bilingual mentors
AI supported the process by checking reading levels, simplifying phrasing, and helping adapt visuals for accessibility. But the success came from empathy, intentional design, and consistent learner feedback.
The results were powerful—higher engagement, stronger knowledge transfer, and learners who finally felt seen.
What L&D leaders should focus on in 2026
If 2025 was about exploration, 2026 is about application. It’s time to shift from curiosity to consistency—through my H.E.R.™ Framework: Honor, Equip, Reimagine.
Honor the whole learner
Before you open an AI tool, pause and ask: Who am I designing for?
Honoring the learner means recognizing culture, language, neurodiversity, generation, and lived experience. AI can help you personalize content—but only if you feed it inclusive prompts, diverse examples, and realistic personas.
This is where empathy meets data.
Equip through intentional design
AI is powerful, but without structure, it can create noise. Use AI to equip your workflow, not overwhelm it.
AI can help you:
- Generate a first-draft outline
- Break down complex topics into plain language
- Brainstorm inclusive scenarios
- Automate repetitive formatting tasks
But the human touch completes the process. Intentional design ensures that content feels personal, clear, and culturally aware.
Reimagine the future of learning
Reimagining learning means looking beyond automation. It means asking:
- What does learning look like when humans & AI work together?
- How can AI help learners reflect—not just click?
- How do we embed accessibility and cultural intelligence at every step?
When leaders think this way, AI becomes a bridge to innovation, not a shortcut.
Quick wins for 2026
Start with simple, high-impact steps:
- Audit content for bias and readability using AI
- Build a prompt library for design consistency
- Create an AI ethics checklist to strengthen transparency & trust
Leading with humanity
AI isn’t the hero—people are. Our role in L&D is to help others feel confident and capable in a changing world. Pragmatic AI simply helps us do that with more clarity and intention.
The leaders who thrive in 2026 will innovate with empathy, lead with curiosity, and design with inclusion at the center. As you plan your next project, ask yourself: What one inclusive AI practice will you bring into your next learning experience?
Image credit: metamorworks
