LearnX 2025: Sessions

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Keynote #1 – Plenary  

L&D Detective® Measurement Mysteries (Kevin Yates)

Step into the shoes of an L&D Detective® and solve the ultimate measurement mystery: uncovering the impact of training and learning on workplace performance. Guided by Kevin M. Yates, the renowned L&D Detective®, this session takes you on an immersive, discovery-based journey where you’ll investigate how to measure training’s contribution to both human and business results. You’ll delve into nine essential questions that form the foundation of impact measurement. Along the way, you’ll gather facts, clues, evidence, and data to reveal training’s influence and discover actionable strategies to navigate the challenges of measurement. Together, we’ll identify meaningful metrics, eliminate obstacles, and answer the ultimate question: “What is the true impact of training and learning?” This engaging and interactive experience transforms participants into measurement investigators, working as a team to build the case, reveal credible results, and uncover the story behind the numbers. Whether you’re a seasoned measurement professional or new to the field, you’ll gain practical tools and insights to solve your own measurement mysteries.

Concurrent Sessions 1

Session 1 - A tale of two programs: Contrasting approaches to effective training evaluation (Alejandro Gomez Umana, Jennifer Page, Christine Gardhouse)

Alejandro from the College@ESDC and Christine and Jennifer from PHAC Training and Development Unit present two distinct yet effective approaches to training evaluation, showcasing how different methodologies can drive impactful learning outcomes.

Alejandro will introduce the College@ESDC Training Evaluation Framework which adheres to the four levels of the Kirkpatrick methodology: satisfaction, learning, reaction, and return on investment. This structured framework under development, emphasizes coherence through benchmarking to visualize performance over time and builds dashboards to ensure consistent, data-informed decision-making. The result is a vibrant learning ecosystem that meets organizational mandates effectively.

Following this, Christine and Jennifer will share their agile, iterative approach to evaluation within a smaller training team. Their method relies on post-training surveys as well as qualitative feedback from open forums and interviews to inform decision-making. Their evaluation strategy leverages alumni engagement and adaptable analysis processes to keep their cohort-based epidemiology training program dynamic and relevant.

By comparing these two contrasting but complementary approaches, the presentation will highlight the strengths of each method and their applicability in different organizational contexts. Attendees will gain insights into practical evaluation strategies, the importance of tailoring methods, and ways to foster continuous improvement in training programs.

The session will conclude with a Q&A period, providing participants the opportunity to engage with the speakers and explore how these strategies can be adapted to their own training and evaluation needs.

Session 2 - Pushing Interactivity on a Budget (Kristen Nazareth, Danita Midena)

In this webinar, we'll explore how to make the most of free and low-cost resources, leverage existing technology, and creatively design activities that keep learners engaged. We'll discuss how to apply principles of active learning and instructional design in a way that maximizes impact while minimizing costs. Participants will learn how to repurpose and adapt content to create dynamic learning experiences, making the most out of what is already available. Additionally, we will break down which software to prioritize purchasing if you have the funds available.  

Concurrent Sessions 2

Session 1 - The Future of Learning: AI-Driven Personalization (Josh Cavalier)

As AI tools are incorporated into learning design workflows, L&D jobs will change. How can instructional designers prepare themselves for the learning ecosystem of the future, and what will their roles be? In this presentation, we will describe how AI will transform workplace learning: personalization. This presentation will explore the paradigm shift from adaptive learning models available today to highly personalized, AI-driven experiences embedded in the workflow. Using real-world examples and research findings, we will dissect how advances in data analytics and artificial intelligence will enable instructional designers to measure performance, deliver content, and design learning paths in new ways.

Attendees will leave the session with a clear understanding of how AI-driven personalization revolutionizes the learning landscape. They will understand how physiological and behavioral data can be used to understand learners on a deeper level. They will learn how content can be adapted to consider learners' feelings and states like attention, fatigue, and stress, as well as how they perform. They will learn how content seamlessly integrates with learners' workflows to provide real-time support. Chatbots, as conversational AI, can function as one-on-one tutors. Understanding these new learning models, roles, and capabilities will prepare them to succeed in the rapidly changing role of the instructional designer.

Participants in this session will:  

• Gain innovative approaches to measuring learner states
• Discover cutting-edge strategies for assessing learner engagement, motivation, and progress using AI-driven tools.  
• Harness AI for adaptive learning and predictive insights  
• Learn how to leverage AI's predictive capabilities to deliver personalized learning experiences that adapt to individual needs.  
• Understand AI's Role in emotional and cognitive engagement  
• Explore how AI can enhance learning by recognizing and responding to emotional and cognitive states in real-time.  
• Design and Implement AI-Enabled learning ecosystems  
• Acquire practical techniques for creating impactful learning content and experiences tailored to an AI-enhanced educational environment.

Session 2 - Evaluate your training courses to support your learners' day-to-day progress (Jean-Philippe Bradette)

In a world where quantifying activities is becoming essential, evaluating the effectiveness of training courses is a key lever for supporting employee progress and well-being. Understanding the impact of acquired skills on organizational performance not only helps to validate results, but also to situate employees in their career path, to help them progress and better perform their day-to-day work.

This conference proposes concrete strategies for measuring and improving the impact of training initiatives, drawing on artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and behavioral sciences. You'll discover key indicators for assessing results, and a pilot approach for quickly obtaining measurable data.

Through practical examples, you'll learn how to harness data and modern tools to support your employees' progress while maximizing the benefits for your organization.

Keynote #2 – Plenary Panel

L&D in Lean Times: Influencing, Innovating, and AI (Aaron Feniak, William Eric Sinden, Ruth Lam, Patti Forsyth-Stevenson, Neil Hunter)

In today's ever evolving and resource constrained environment, government learning professionals are tasked with maintaining excellence in learning and development (L&D) while managing shrinking budgets and increasing demands. LearnX closing panel will feature learning executives from the government and the industry who will provide invaluable insights on how to navigate these challenging times by becoming L&D influencers, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Panel Focus:

1. Being an L&D Influencer in Times of Resource Constraints - The panel will delve into strategies for maximizing impact with limited resources. The discussion will include ways to prioritize initiatives, build strong stakeholder partnerships, and advocate for L&D within our organizations. Participants will learn how to inspire and influence peers, leadership, and learners alike, turning constraints into opportunities for growth and innovation.
2. Leading with Data-Driven Decisions - The panel will highlight the importance of data in shaping effective L&D strategies. Panelists will discuss their vision in for leveraging data to make informed decisions. Participants will gain insights into building a data-driven culture within their organizations, enhancing accountability and continuous improvement.
3. Embracing AI Technologies - Artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of learning and development. The panel will explore practical applications of AI in L&D, from personalized learning experiences to automated content creation and predictive analytics. Participants will hear about real-world examples of AI-driven initiatives and learn how to embrace these technologies to enhance learning outcomes, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.

Ready to change the game? Dive into these crucial conversations and transform the future of government learning and development.