Perils and Promise of the Shiny New Object

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Suzanne Gillespie, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development program.

Dannewitz’s (2025) TD Magazine article, “All That Glitters Is Not Gold” argues that while emerging learning technologies can feel exciting and futuristic, L&D professionals must resist being dazzled by novelty alone. The article emphasizes distinguishing hype from tools that genuinely improve performance. It encourages practitioners to evaluate technologies based on clear business needs, measurable outcomes, and practical integration into existing workflows. Rather than chasing flashy demos—like AI chatbots or immersive VR—the piece urges focusing on solutions that solve real problems, scale sustainably, and enhance everyday learning experiences. Ultimately, meaningful impact—not trendiness—should guide technology adoption.

TD Magazine, a publication from the Association for Talent Development, is a reputable source within the learning and development field, so the article carries solid credibility, especially for practitioners seeking grounded perspectives on emerging technologies. The article “All That Glitters Is Not Gold” is useful because it challenges readers to look past hype and evaluate tools based on real organizational impact. Its emphasis on strategic decision‑making makes it valuable for L&D leaders, instructional designers, and HR professionals who must justify technology investments. While the article offers practical guidance, it could go further by providing downloadable evaluation frameworks or concrete case studies. Still, it serves as a thoughtful reminder to prioritize substance over novelty.

Reference

Dannewitz, B. (2025, October 31). All that glitters is not gold. TD Magazine. https://www.td.org/content/td-magazine/all-that-glitters-is-not-gold  

The Opportunities of GenAI in Higher Education

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Jocelyn Lupercio, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MBA program.

This article on the NIH website highlights the current transformation GenAI is having on higher education. The use of GenAI in higher education has become so conventional that now more than half of students report using GenAI and much of that use being undetected by educators. While GenAI has created new concerns in higher education, GenAi also offers a range of opportunities for personalized learning and the expansion of access to knowledge. The article frames GenAI as a need for gradual transformation to ensure that human centered values remain at the forefront of higher education

While the article offers opportunities for GenAI in higher education and highlights the significance of institutional responsibility, the suggestions offer limited details, evidence and data and remain very conceptual. The discussion could be strengthened by evidence derived from case studies and offering the student perspective as well.

Reference

Sejdiu, N. P., & Sejdiu, S. (2025). The quiet transformation of higher education in the AI era. Open Research Europe, 5, 249.

Empowering eLearning: Student Choice Matters

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Hailey Kaddatz, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development program.

Managing and supporting elearning depends on the different ways people learn (Eidenberger & Nowotny, 2022). Today’s students are used to having control over what they learn. If you provide students choices in school, learning effectiveness will increase. More importantly, this approach encourages students to take control of their own education. In the end, it brings everyone benefits.

With data drawn from up-to-date educational research and the best practices in eLearning, the source is trustworthy. It may not be very productive for teachers. They may struggle to improve student engagement. It might be challenging for them to make their own learning idea match the students. Administrators and teachers with eLearning programs and instructional designers can all find this information useful.

Reference:
Eidenberger, M. and Nowotny, S. (2022) Video-based learning compared to face-to-face learning in psychomotor skills physiotherapy education. Creative Education, 13, 149-166. doi: 10.4236/ce.2022.131011.

Are video shorts the new method?

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Anthony Panzella, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development program.

The article from EDUCAUSE Review explains how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be used to convert lengthy instructional videos into a series of engaging, short video lectures that enhance student engagement and learning. It describes a case where an instructional design professor used GenAI to restructure a long lecture into micro-lectures with interactive elements such as quizzes, visual aids, and voiceovers, making the content more accessible and appealing. The article discusses how clear prompting, content segmentation, and review of AI-generated outputs contribute to creating short videos that align with learning goals and support personalized learning experiences.

The source is reliable because it is published by EDUCAUSE Review, a respected outlet focused on higher education technology trends and instructional innovation. The detailed account of how GenAI was applied offers a practical example that educators and instructional designers can adapt for their own courses or training programs. This resource is especially useful for professionals seeking ways to improve learner engagement in online or blended environments and to reduce the time required for video content creation. However, readers should consider the need for instructor review and revision to maintain accuracy and pedagogical quality. The article would interest faculty, instructional designers, and training specialists exploring AI-enhanced learning tools.

Zheng, H. (2025, June 17). Leveraging GenAI to transform a traditional instructional video into engaging short video lectures. EDUCAUSE Review. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2025/6/leveraging-genai-to-transform-a-traditional-instructional-video-into-engaging-short-video-lecturesLinks to an external site.

The Best Windows Laptops for 2026

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Carla Reed, graduate student at University of St. Francis, MS Talent Development program.

Windows laptops in 2026 offer impressive variety, strong performance gains from new Snapdragon chips, and better battery life than many MacBooks. Overall, the lineup feels more innovative and user‑focused than in previous years. In a recent article, Henschel (2026) highlights a wide range of top‑rated Windows laptops, from ultraportables to dual‑display models and gaming systems, all tested for performance, build quality, and value. The author concludes that the Surface Laptop 7 stands out as the best all-around choice, combining power, premium design, and exceptional battery life.

I recommend this article for students, professionals, and frequent travelers looking for practical buying guidance. Although it reflects the author’s personal editorial choices, the source is fairly trustworthy given her tech background. Henschel (2026) makes it clear that Windows laptops are outpacing MacBooks in innovation and flexibility.

Reference

Henschel, H. (2026, January). The 11 best Windows laptops for 2026. Mashable. Retrieved from: https://mashable.com/roundup/best-windows-laptop-2026

Boost Employee Development with E-Learning  

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Bianca Henderson, a graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development Program. 

In the article “Why Now’s The Time To Use E-Learning For Employee Growth And Development”, Berkes (2022) explains the importance and value of e-learning in today’s workplace. The article highlights that e-learning is a flexible and cost-effective methods for training and developing employees, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote and hybrid work models are more common. Berkes (2022) emphasizes that e-learning helps organizations keep up with rapid technological changes and meet the expectations of modern employees who want an accessible learning experience.  

This information can be helpful for HR professionals, training managers, and organizational leaders seeking cost-effective and adaptable training solutions. It offers insights into how e-learning can enhance continuous development and employee retention. This article could benefit from adding data to support its claims about the effectiveness of e-learning or by comparing e-learning with traditional methods.  

Category: e-Learning and Technology, Training & Development 

Reference: 

Berkes, O. (2022, May 4). Why now’s the time to use e-learning for employee growth and development. Forbes Technology Council. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2022/05/04/why-nows-the-time-to-use-e-learning-for-employee-growth-and-development/ 

Trends in E-Learning

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Clarissa McKnabb, a graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development program.

This article discusses the expansion of e-learning, specifically since the pandemic. The article reports on the great expansion of e-learning offerings, while discussing how plans are to be made for expanding broadband capabilities and reaching audiences without the technology to participate in e-learning. As e-learning becomes more standard practice, technology capabilities will need to advance in order to accommodate. The article offers suggestions for microlearning opportunities to serve populations that may not have access to e-learning necessities such as regular internet and WiFi. 

This article comes from the domain research.com, which appears to be a credible source, and the article itself sources credible resources and data. This article is useful as it provides a new perspective on the implications of e-learning and the effects of its transformation. This article provides insight on high-level topics related to e-learning. This would be an interesting read for somebody who would like to know more about the recent development of e-learning. 

Reference: 

Bouchrika, I. (2026, January 24). eLearning Trends: 2026 Current Data, Analysis & Insights [Review of eLearning Trends: 2026 Current Data, Analysis & Insights]. Research.com. https://research.com/education/elearning-trends

Top eLearning trends for 2026

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Nancy Herrera, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development program.

eLearning is essential in education and professional environments. In a recent article, Sharma (2025) outlines eLearning trends for 2026. They include intelligent technology, security, and collaboration. The first discusses using AI for personalization while increasing engagement. It is used by most enterprises and so is microlearning. Microlearning is credited for its short yet effective impact. Blockchain and crypto tokenization are providing security and credential verification. A holistic approach to marketing can build trust by building a balance between profits ethical obligations. Communal learning programs boost engagement. Learning in the flow of work is common practice in most corporations.

The website where the article was published is a self-proclaimed leading source for industry specific training and development content. Sharma is a managing partner of Tecuy Media and leads LinksFrog. He is a reliable source as he is considered a Level 5 Legend. The information can be useful when wanting to keep updated with any current technologies. Educators, Human Resources professionals, Talent Development representatives and enterprises would be interested in this information. In these roles knowing what technologies can be the most relevant, useful, and efficient is key.

Reference:

Sharma, O. (2025, September 20). Top eLearning trends in 2026: How new innovations are shaping education. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/top-elearning-trends-how-new-innovations-are-shaping-education

Technology-Driven Education: A New Era of Learning

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Tania Pacheco, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development program.

Education is undergoing a revolutionary transformation aided primarily by an era of rapid technological advancements. Once a mere facilitator, technology has begun to shift from its former support role to be a core driver of how students learn and interact. In a recent article, Denys Vorobyov (2024) presents the potential and multifaceted challenges technology brings to education. Digital tools and online resources are enhancing engagement, accessibility, and quality of learning, preparing students for a digital future. However, the author stresses that successful integration of new technologies requires collaboration among schools, governments, and tech experts to ensure equitable access, cybersecurity, ongoing training for educators, and appropriate application to curriculum. The author concludes that the prospects for education are boundless, with technology opening up new possibilities for learning, teaching and growing. With effective partnerships between technology innovation, integration, and educators, the future of education promises a more inclusive, interactive, and imaginative learning experience for all.

I recommend this article for anyone who works in education and is looking to integrate technology into their curriculum. In particular, this would be a useful resource for those wishing to have a framework to implement new technology to their learning environment. The article provides a list of key stakeholders that are needed throughout the integration process in order to overcome possible challenges that may arise. Additionally, the source provided a real-world example of an online platform that was developed utilizing the previously mentioned framework, highlighting how tech companies and educational platforms can successfully collaborate to produce an accessible tool.

Reference

Vorobyov, D. (2024, February 1). Technology-driven education: A new era of learning. Forbes. https://forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/02/01/technology-driven-education-a-new-era-of-learning

Designing for Learner Success

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Samerah Saad, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Talent Development program. 

In the article “Effective Design for Adult Learners,” Erich Stiefvater (2025) explores how scaffolding teaching techniques can enhance the educational experience for adult learners. They utilize methods such as modeling and chunking information to aid in the ability to not only require new information but to additionally retain it for long-term use and application. Diversifying the platform to include e-learning provides click-and-reveal and branching to make content more engaging for the learner. Incorporating interactive measures such as reflections and open-ended questions empower learners to remain captivated and enthralled in their learning experience.

Though Stiefvater (2025) provides valuable insight on how to better learner outcomes through intentional instructional design, I’m concerned that this is viewed with rose colored glasses. I commend the intent and theoretical practice behind the plan, but I do not see the data or real-life examples to support the claim holistically. I am missing qualitative examples to demonstrate how these scaffolding techniques will meet or exceed the typical standard set. I would need to explore further to obtain a deeper sense of confidence that the learner is retaining the information being presented to them in practical application.  

Reference: 

Stiefvater, E. (2025, February). Effective design for adult learners. Education Northwest. https://educationnorthwest.org/insights/effective-design-adult-learners?utm_source=chatgpt.comLinks to an external site.