The Impact of AI Avatars on Learning and Development

This episode is part 2 of a podcast swap with the Video Learning Lab podcast run by Kevin Alster. Kevin is a Learning Strategist at Synthesia, the Denmark-based video learning company, and was previously employed as a designer of learning experiences at The New York Times and Sotheby’s. John talks to him about Synthesia's AI-generated avatars, which are rapidly gaining use in learning programmes. This wide-ranging discussion covers many of the most topical questions about use of AI in learning. And in a first for the Learning Hack podcast, the episode is introduced by AI generated avatars, replacing the usual cast of human presenters.  

• 0:00 - Intro
• 3:08 - Technology behind Synthesia's AI
• 11:15 - Ensuring inclusive avatar representation
• 20:53 - The impact on elearning
• 27:54 - Success stories in AI-assisted learning
• 35:47 - How L&D people will evolve with AI-generated Avatars 
• 52:14 - Addressing risks of AI Avatars
• 55:11 - What challenges are there?
• 1:05:05 - Where to follow Kevin?

Episode links:

• 'GPTs are GPTs: An early look at the labor market impact potential of large language models': https://openai.com/research/gpts-are-gpts
• Karen X. Cheng: https://www.karenx.com/
• Nina Schick: Https://ninaschick.org/

Follow Kevin:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinalster
• Website (Synthesia): https://www.synthesia.io/
• Synthesia academy: https://www.synthesia.io/academy
• Website: (personal) http://kevinalster.wordpress.com/
• Email: kevin.alster@gmail.com
• Twitter: @Kalstere

Contact John Helmer

• Twitter: @johnhelmer
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/
• Website: https://learninghackpodcast.com/
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LearningHack