A Joint Event with AcademyEx
Generative AI now offers tools to support almost every aspect of the daily work of training and development professionals, from creating learning materials and grading assessments to analysing meeting notes and generating reports from data. Used well, AI can improve efficiency, streamline administration and processes, and even spark new ideas and approaches.
At the same time, it is important to consider what learners expect from training and development professionals. If AI is used uncritically or replaces genuine human judgement and engagement, learners may lose confidence in the quality, relevance, and authenticity of the learning experience. Human expertise should remain central, not simply “in the loop,” but actively shaping and guiding how AI is used.
This presentation explores practical ways AI can support rather than undermine human cognition, creativity, and engagement in the training and development process, helping professionals use these tools thoughtfully, effectively, and responsibly.
Competency Framework: Learning and Development Practice; Instructional Design; E-learning
Speaker: Dr David Parsons
Dr David Parsons is Research Director for academyEX in Auckland, New Zealand and Adjunct Professor in the Digital Education Futures Lab at the University of Canterbury. He holds a PhD in Information Technology and a postgraduate teaching qualification, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning Design, and has wide experience in both academia and the IT industry. Since joining The Mind Lab in 2015, he has been focused on postgraduate teacher education and has also developed online learning materials for the Open Polytechnic and UC Online. He is the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning (IJMBL) and has published widely on technology-enhanced learning and curriculum, with a recent focus on AI literacy as co-developer of the SAIL framework.
Host: Upper North Island
Event eligibility: This event is open to NZATD members, affiliates and non-members.
Registering for this event:
- Prices exclude GST.
- Members can register for this event by logging in using their member login details.
- Affiliates: (HRNZ, AITD, CDANZ, FLANZ, ICF, NZOQ, PSANZ, TechCommNZ) can attend at member rates. When registering, follow the non-member registration process and use the 'Online Affiliate' promo code to access the member rate. Contact your affiliate administrator for this code.
Cancellations and Attendance:
- Please give 48 hours notice of cancellation.
- Once registered, you will be expected to pay regardless of attendance.
- Substitutions permitted if transferred to someone holding the same
- ticket type e.g. member. Non-members are not permitted to attend in place of a member.
