We returned to The Brewery in London for this year’s flagship event, Learning Pool Live, bringing the L&D community together for a day of fresh insights, inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and practical panel discussions.
This year’s theme, “Prove it, Own it, and Lead with Learning,” encouraged attendees to take charge of their learning strategies, showcase impact, and guide their organisations through transformation with confidence.
Luke Smith, Learning Designer at Learning Pool, was on the ground chatting with our customers about “How the world of learning is changing.” From those conversations and the sessions themselves, we captured the key takeaways that every L&D professional should know.
AI is transforming learning
- Personalisation & real-time feedback: AI can adapt content to individual learners and provide immediate insights.
- Experimentation is growing: 58% of L&D teams are already testing generative AI, and 70% of leaders plan to increase AI use in the next five years.
- Shifting creator roles: AI changes what it means to be “useful” as a learning creator, enabling more impactful, outcome-driven experiences.
Human-centred learning remains essential
- Critical thinking, engagement, and high-quality content are still at the heart of effective L&D.
- Resist the shiny tools and focus on solving real problems.
- Self-paced, learner-focused programs that support continuous engagement rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Data and measurement are key
- The importance of not just collecting data, but understanding it to optimise learning programmes. Organisations are confident in tracking learning but need guidance on interpreting insights to drive real improvements.
Budget-conscious innovation
- Explore ways to “do more with less”, using new tools and approaches efficiently without sacrificing quality.
Retiring outdated approaches
- Several attendees highlighted the need to move away from tick-box compliance courses, focusing instead on measurable knowledge and applied skills.
- Opportunities to integrate learning into daily workflows with meaningful, adaptive experiences.
Driving cultural and behavioural change
- The fireside chat illustrated how learning programmes can impact decision-making, leadership, and organisational culture.
- Learning isn’t just about content, it’s about embedding skills and behaviours that last.
Key takeaway: AI is a powerful tool, but the human element, flexibility, meaningful measurement, and cultural impact remain the cornerstones of successful L&D.
Want to hear more? Catch insights straight from our attendees on an upcoming episode of the Death of E-Learning Podcast.
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