You Already Know How to Use AI

By Paul Wilson

Beginning in 2024, every eLearning conference, keynote, and breakout session was suddenly about artificial intelligence. AI was no longer something from the future—it was happening in the present. Predictions flew about how it would revolutionize our industry, reshape instructional design, and automate everything from storyboarding to scenario building.

And I’ll be honest: they weren’t wrong. I can’t think of another technology that’s improved my workflow more dramatically or quickly than AI. It’s now woven into nearly every step of my design and development cycle. From scripting video tutorials to drafting quiz questions, reviewing learning objectives, and even troubleshooting Adobe Captivate issues, AI is the silent partner beside me.

It’s also solved problems I didn’t know took up so much of my time.

For example, I spent 30 minutes or more just thinking of realistic example content to include in my YouTube tutorials. I wanted those examples to feel authentic—things a learner might encounter—but that ideation takes time. Now? I ask my AI assistant to give me an example of a four-item click-to-reveal interaction on customer service. Within seconds, I have usable content ready to drop into my project.

Another area where AI has made an enormous difference is working with legislation and compliance content. I can upload source material and ask my AI tool to pull out the legislated training requirements—and even make educated guesses about stretch goals that might be included in future updates. From there, I ask the AI to generate learning objectives aligned to those outcomes using Bloom’s taxonomy at the knowledge domain level. Before AI, I’d use the same verbs repeatedly and spend hours on this task. Now, the variety and clarity of the objectives are far stronger and come together in minutes instead of hours.

And I don’t stop there. I’ll ask the same tool to write quiz questions that align with those objectives—and even specify what types of questions to use based on the authoring tool I’m working with. Whether it’s multiple choice, matching, or sequencing, AI helps me get 90% of the way there in a fraction of the time.

AI has even solved the image and video problem.

Stock photography is great when you only need a smiling office worker or a handshake. But I remember working on a safety training course at the airport years ago where I needed a specific image: debris on a runway. I browsed every stock photo site I had access to, but nothing came close. Ultimately, I had to send someone out to the airfield with a camera and wait for them to snap a few usable shots. That one photo took hours to get. Today? That would be a 30-second prompt to an AI image generator—and I'd have a variety of realistic, customizable visuals in less time than it takes to open Photoshop.

But let’s get something straight:
The rise of AI has also created a gold rush of “expert” courses, tools, and clickbait promises. You can’t scroll TikTok or LinkedIn without seeing a breathless video telling you that if you just use this one prompt, or follow that 10-minute routine, you’ll become an AI wizard in 30 days. Most of it? Noise.

Here’s my take:
If you’ve ever had a thoughtful conversation—asked follow-up questions, refined your thinking, brainstormed ideas aloud—you already have the fundamental skill to use AI effectively. That’s it. ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and others? They’re just really fast, always-available brainstorming partners. You don’t need 30 tools. You need one or two you trust, and a clear idea of what you want to achieve.

And no, you don’t need to become a certified AI prompt engineer either.

You’re likely already doing what makes AI tools work: asking thoughtful questions, rephrasing when something doesn’t land, and talking through ideas like you would with a colleague or manager. If the AI doesn’t give you what you hoped for the first time? Just ask again, in a different way. That’s not failure—it’s collaboration.

Think of it this way:
AI isn’t about replacing your creativity or experience. It’s about accelerating them. The better you are at communicating your goals and refining your questions, the better the output you’ll get.

Oh—and by the way—I even used my favorite AI tool to help me organize my thoughts and write this blog post. That’s the beauty of it: collaboration, not delegation. But of course, check them whenever your AI tool offers up links or references. Validating your sources is critical, especially when your work will influence what others learn, believe, or apply in their roles. Accuracy still matters, and critical thinking is still the secret weapon.

So, the next time someone tries to sell you a 57-module course to unlock your AI potential, remember this:
You don’t need to start from scratch. You need to start the conversation.

Now it's your turn.
How has AI changed the way you work?
Are you using it for scripting, brainstorming, editing, or something else entirely?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you're putting AI to use in your learning and development projects.

ReviewMyElearning.com vs. Adobe's Share for Review

In this video, I dive into a detailed comparison of ReviewMyElearning.com and Adobe's Share for Review. I'll walk you through the easy three-step process of using ReviewMyElearning.com, how it simplifies reviewer access, and the unique advantages, such as AI-powered feedback and Zapier integration. Whether you're working with Captivate Classic, SCORM, or need streamlined collaboration, I’ll help you decide which tool best suits your eLearning workflow. Join me as I share insights on enhancing your course quality and efficiency.

Get 50% off ReviewMyElearning for 12 months. Follow the link or enter the coupon code at checkout. https://www.reviewmyelearning.com/join/captivateteacher2025

Coupon Code: Captivateteacher2025

Adobe Captivate 12 - Sequence Questions

In this video, I show you how to set up a sequence question and reveal a secret version of this slide you might not have been aware of.

Adobe Captivate 12 - Matching Question

In this video, I show you how to setup an Adobe Captivate matching question.

Adobe Captivate 12: Building Scored Custom Question Slides

Frustrated with the limits of quiz slides in Adobe Captivate? I just dropped a members-only tutorial showing you how to build custom question slides that score like regular quizzes — but give you way more flexibility. Add images, videos, or any interactive element — stuff you can’t do with Captivate’s default quiz slides. Unlock the full tutorial by joining as an All-In-One Member over on my YouTube channel. Let’s build better eLearning — without limits.

Multi-Click Actions in Adobe Captivate – Click All to Continue!

Want to control navigation in Adobe Captivate so learners must click multiple objects before advancing? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to set up three click boxes that trigger a single action only after clicking all three. This is perfect for interactive learning experiences, compliance training, or guided walkthroughs where users must engage with all elements before moving forward.

You'll learn:

✅ How to set up click boxes in Captivate.

✅ How to create a custom action that advances only when all three have been clicked.

Whether you're new to Captivate or looking to add advanced interactivity to your eLearning projects, this step-by-step guide will help you get it done!

Adobe Learning Summit 2025 — Mark Your Calendar!

I just checked out the Adobe Learning Summit 2025 website, and the details are live! This year’s conference returns to the stunning Resorts World Las Vegas — and the dates to lock in are:

• Pre-Conference Adobe Captivate Certification – September 23, 2025

• Main Conference – September 24 & 25, 2025

Resorts World is still one of the newest and most luxurious properties on the Strip — a $4.3 billion resort that opened in 2021. If you’ve attended past Adobe Learning Summits at older Vegas venues like the Mirage, MGM Grand, or the old Hard Rock Hotel, you’re going to notice the difference. Resorts World offers spacious rooms, high-end shopping, and a world-class spa — definitely the nicest venue Adobe has ever chosen.

You can check out details here:

• Adobe Learning Summit 2025: https://adobe-learning-summit.elearning.adobeevents.com/

• Resorts World Las Vegas: https://www.rwlasvegas.com/

2025 Pricing – Act Fast!

Here’s the best part — pricing is very affordable right now, but it will increase as we get closer to the event:

• Adobe Learning Summit Conference (Sept 24-25): $299

• Pre-Conference Adobe Captivate Certification (Sept 23): $300
  (Note: This certification typically costs $1,099!)

Both are absolute steals at these early rates, especially if you’ve been considering Captivate Certification. Even just the certification alone is normally over $1,000 — so $300 is a huge savings.

Why Attend?

If you’re a Captivate designer or developer, this is the conference for you. I’ve attended since 2016 — back when it was co-located with DEVLEARN — but these days, Adobe’s event stands on its own. While DEVLEARN is massive, it often lacks Captivate-specific content. This summit is where you’ll get hands-on training, product updates, and a chance to network with other Captivate users.

Expect Adobe to update the site with session details as we get closer, but historically, topics have included AI, custom interactions, accessibility, responsive design, and best practices in eLearning development.

Sample Email to Justify Attendance

If you’re considering going, start the conversation with your manager now. Here’s an updated sample email you can use:

Subject: Request to Attend Adobe Learning Summit 2025 and Captivate Certification

Dear [Manager Name],

I’d like to request approval to attend the Adobe Learning Summit 2025, which will be held September 24-25 at Resorts World Las Vegas, and the pre-conference Adobe Captivate Certification on September 23.

This summit is the leading event focused on Adobe Captivate — the tool we rely on for our eLearning development. Highlights include:

• In-depth product training and feature updates

• Hands-on learning for creating custom, interactive, and accessible content

• Optional Captivate Certification at a significantly reduced rate (normally $1,099 — now just $300 during early registration)

• Networking with industry peers and Adobe experts

Early pricing is available now: $299 for the main conference and $300 for certification—both excellent values for the knowledge and skills I’ll bring back.

I’ll share key takeaways with the team post-conference and apply what I learn to enhance our eLearning programs. I’m also happy to work out coverage plans to minimize disruption.

Thank you for considering this opportunity.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
L&D Specialist

Thinking About Speaking?

I’ve already submitted my speaking proposal for this year’s summit — and honestly, there’s no better conference to speak at if you’re in the Adobe Captivate or eLearning space. Adobe truly takes care of its speakers.

In addition to free conference registration, speakers receive:
✅ An invitation to Adobe’s exclusive pre-conference dinner
✅ Compensation for speaking
✅ Hotel accommodations at Resorts World Las Vegas — fully covered by Adobe

If you’ve ever thought about sharing your expertise, this is the year to do it. The Adobe Learning Summit attracts a focused audience of Captivate users and L&D professionals — people who will truly value what you have to share.

You can submit your speaker proposal here:
👉 https://adobe-learning-summit.elearning.adobeevents.com/speaker-application/

Hope to see you there — maybe even in the speaker green room!

Create AI Avatar Videos in Camtasia Audiate

Discover how to create AI Avatar Videos using the powerful features of TechSmith’s Audiate and Camtasia. Join Paul Wilson as he demonstrates the benefits of integrating AI technology into your e-learning materials.

The Hidden Costs of Speaking at eLearning Conferences (And Why Adobe Gets It Right)

If you're an eLearning professional, you've probably considered speaking at an industry conference. The benefits are clear—networking, visibility, and the opportunity to share your expertise with a wider audience. But what often goes unspoken is the financial burden that speakers shoulder just to be part of these events.

The Reality of Speaking at eLearning Conferences

Many conferences issue a call for proposals, inviting experts to submit session ideas. If selected, speakers receive the opportunity to present at the event—but with no financial compensation. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

Step 1: Submitting a Proposal

You spend time crafting a compelling session, ensuring it aligns with the conference’s theme. This takes effort, strategy, and usually at least an hour or more of writing and refining. Once submitted, it’s a waiting game to see if your session is accepted.

Step 2: Traveling to the Conference

Unlike corporate-sponsored attendees, speakers usually have to pay their own way to the conference. And these events aren’t held in budget-friendly locations—they’re in major cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, or New Orleans, where flights and accommodations come at a premium. A round-trip flight often starts at $400 or more.

Step 3: Staying at the Conference

To make the most of the experience, speakers often stay at the official conference hotel, which ensures easy access to sessions, networking events, and keynotes. Even with a modest rate of $100 per night (which is rare), a three-night stay adds up to at least $300.

Meals add to the cost, too. While conferences may provide breakfast and lunch, dinners are typically an out-of-pocket expense—easily totaling $150+ over three days.

The “Compensation” Many Conferences Offer

In return for their expertise, speakers are often given a complimentary conference pass. But let’s be honest—this costs the event organizers nothing. They’re profiting from the ticket sales of paying attendees, and the content that speakers provide is a major draw for those attendees. Yet, speakers still end up investing hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to be there.

This raises a fair question: Is it worth it?

Why Adobe Stands Out

Unlike many eLearning conferences, Adobe values its speakers in a way that acknowledges their contributions. When you speak at an Adobe-hosted event—like the Adobe Learning Summit—you’re not just given a free pass. Adobe compensates speakers for their time and effort. This means that presenters aren’t left footing the bill for travel and accommodations just to share their expertise.

This approach sets Adobe apart. By offering compensation, they’re demonstrating that they respect the value that speakers bring and recognize the importance of supporting the professionals who contribute to the success of their events.

Should Speakers Push Back?

There’s a growing conversation in the eLearning community about whether we should stop accepting unpaid speaking engagements that require out-of-pocket expenses. After all, professionals in other industries (marketing, tech, etc.) often receive speaker stipends or travel reimbursement.

If more speakers held conferences accountable and demanded better compensation, we might see a shift in how these events operate. Until then, it’s worth considering:

• Seeking sponsorships from vendors to offset costs

• Prioritizing events that offer real benefits beyond visibility

• Negotiating with organizers—you never know if they have an unspoken budget for speaker expenses

• Focusing on conferences that truly invest in their speakers, like Adobe’s events

Final Thoughts

Speaking at conferences is a privilege, but it shouldn’t come at a personal financial loss. If we want the industry to thrive, we need to advocate for fair compensation—and Adobe’s model proves that it’s possible.

If you’re an eLearning professional considering a conference speaking gig, take a close look at what you’re getting in return. Visibility is great, but financial sustainability matters, too.

What do you think? Should eLearning conferences start compensating speakers more fairly? Let’s start the conversation.

Why You Should Speak at the Adobe Learning Summit 2025

I've had the privilege of presenting at numerous eLearning conferences, but the Adobe Learning Summit (ALS) is my favourite. If you want to expand your expertise in learning and development, I strongly encourage you to step onto the stage and share your knowledge at ALS 2025.

Public speaking enhances credibility and opens doors to career growth, new opportunities, and invaluable networking, but the Adobe Learning Summit has other benefits you should consider.

Get Paid to Share Your Expertise

Many conferences offer speakers a complimentary pass—an incredible benefit, considering some events charge up to $1,600 for admission. However, Adobe goes a step further. When your proposal is accepted, you will get free access to the Adobe Learning Summit and be paid to present. Even better? Unlike other conferences where you're responsible for your accommodation, Adobe covers your hotel stay during the event. I travel round-trip from Toronto, and between the speaking compensation and hotel coverage, Adobe made the event profitable for me—the only conference where that's been the case.

Connect with Like-Minded eLearning Professionals

ALS isn't just about sessions and workshops and building relationships. You'll meet fellow Captivate users, instructional designers, and learning professionals who share your passion here. My first Adobe conference was a game-changer—I met my eLearning heroes, and now they're friends and trusted colleagues. The compensation is excellent, but what about the networking and friendships you gain? That's priceless.

Exclusive Speaker Perks

As a speaker, you get access to exclusive events like private cocktail receptions and speaker dinners—where you can connect with Adobe's key staff and other industry leaders in a relaxed setting. I'm now on a first-name basis with many members of the Adobe eLearning team, and when I need guidance, they're just a message away. Plus, Adobe ensures that all conference attendees are well taken care of during the conference. Expect hot buffet meals, not the standard boxed lunches at other events.

Gain Knowledge and Inspiration

Beyond presenting your session, you'll have full access to the summit, where you can attend hands-on workshops, discover new technologies, and learn from industry experts. ALS also gives you a front-row seat to exclusive sneak peeks at what's next for Adobe Captivate, letting you stay ahead of the curve.

Experience the Best of Las Vegas

After a day of learning and connecting, you can explore Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for world-class entertainment, fine dining, or iconic attractions, ALS is more than just a conference—it's an experience. It's common to go out to dinner with your new friends and colleagues and enjoy a fun and exciting evening in Las Vegas.

How to Submit a Proposal

The speaker application is now live! Apply here:

https://adobe-learning-summit.elearning.adobeevents.com/speaker-application

When crafting your proposal, consider the following:

What unique insights can you share about Adobe Captivate? Passion drives engagement, and sharing something you've personally discovered or mastered makes for a compelling session.

What's trending in 2025? In past years, hot topics included responsive design, gamification, and video learning. In 2025, AI is at the forefront. If you can tie AI into your session, you'll capture the selection committee's attention and fill your session with eager attendees looking to learn from you.

This is your chance to elevate your career, get paid to speak and connect with the best minds in eLearning. Submit your proposal today! I hope to see you there.