David HopkinsSummary of Wednesday's Day 2 World of Learning event #WOL25 or #LTAF
“A key takeaway from today: learning only works when it feels relevant, human, and easy to act on.”
"... engagement - in learning, leadership, or life - isn’t about more or newer technology, or longer content; it’s about relevance, reinforcement, and real connection."
#wol25 #learninganddevelopment #highereducation #digitallearning #aiinlearning #instructionaldesign #leadership #curiosity #lifelonglearning | David Hopkins
Today I attended Day 2 of World of Learning, 2025, exploring how technology, design, and human connection continue to shape how we learn, whether in workplaces or universities. A key takeaway from today: learning only works when it feels relevant, human, and easy to act on. 1️⃣ 'From click to completion' Research into video in learning showed that even AI voiceovers are now accepted, often preferred, by learners. Quality, clarity, and relatability matter more than whether the voice is human or synthetic. The real key? Hook attention early, keep it simple, and make the content feel current and useful. → In higher education, this reinforces what we already know: students value clarity and authenticity over polish. A concise, well-framed video with a clear purpose can have far greater impact than overproduced content that feels distant or impersonal. 2️⃣ 'Expectations vs reality' Across generations, the workplace still wrestles with limited budgets, weak systems, and low bandwidth for change. AI’s promise isn’t to replace people but to make learning seamless, not siloed, giving access at the point of need and freeing space for human connection. “Frictionless, actionable, human” feels like the perfect takeaway from this. → For universities, that tension is familiar: large cohorts, complex systems, and limited time for staff development. The challenge, and opportunity, is to design digital ecosystems that remove barriers, reduce duplication, and support educators to focus on feedback, guidance, and connection. 3️⃣ 'Sticky learning design' We forget up to 70 % of what we learn within a week — unless we design with hooks. Make learning resonate, keep it sensory, and build bridges between learners’ experience and yours. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s memory through meaning. → The same applies in HE: our students juggle competing priorities and constant information flow/overload. Learning that connects to real-world contexts, invites reflection, and re-emerges over time is far more likely to stay with them. Relevance and rhythm matter as much as rigour. 🔥 Fireside chat with Gabby Logan MBE Gabby’s conversation closed the day perfectly. Gabby talked about curiosity, the thread running from sport to broadcasting to leadership. She spoke about the value of asking questions (even “annoying” ones), building trust, learning from mistakes, and knowing when to share and when to hold something back. To stay authentic. → And a reminder worth keeping: make it fun, stay curious, don’t let mistakes define you, and get on with it. Energy and authenticity go further than perfection ever will. Together, these sessions reminded me that engagement - in learning, leadership, or life - isn’t about more or newer technology, or longer content; it’s about relevance, reinforcement, and real connection. #WOL25 #LearningAndDevelopment #HigherEducation #DigitalLearning #AIinLearning #InstructionalDesign #Leadership #Curiosity #LifelongLearning
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