I write a fair number of “show your work” posts as I experiment with generative AI. I’ve written about my initial tests of using ChatGPT to write a branching scenario and of my successes and failures with AI image generation. I’ve also shared my reflections on how AI might affect the instructional design field. To make it easier to find all of my AI and instructional design posts, I’m collecting them all in one place.
This collection includes all of the full posts I’ve written about AI, but not my posts of curated links. These days, nearly every bookmark post I share has at least one link related to AI. If you’re looking for the links I’ve shared, the easiest way is to search my collection on Raindrop.
Contents
- AI image generation
- AI video and audio generation
- Writing and building scenarios with AI
- Reflections on AI and instructional design
- Useful prompts and examples
- Podcasts and presentations
AI image generation
One way I’m using AI to improve my instructional design work right now is by using AI-generated images rather than stock images and character cutout photos. Midjourney is my primary image generation tool, but I’ve tested others as well.
Image prompting tips
Prompt Structure for AI Image Generation
Use a standard prompt structure with specific elements for generating AI images to get better, more accurate results.
Get More Variety in AI Image Styles
Changing a few words to describe a specific image style can give you a wide range of different AI image styles.
Generating Visual Metaphors to Support Learning
Use AI tools like Midjourney to generate unique visual metaphors to support learning by visually representing abstract concepts.
Disability Representation in AI Images
Disability representation in AI images has improved significantly, with both Nano Banana 2 and GPT Image 2 generating solid results.
How to Generate Icon Sets with AI
Generate icon sets with AI to represent or symbolize specific concepts. Use tools like Midjourney, Nano Banana, and Brushless for consistency.
Minimizing Bias in AI-Generated Images
Learn techniques for minimizing bias in AI-generated images for learning. Watch the recording of my session from AIDC.
Character images
Speed Up Character Image Creation with Flora
Speed up your character image generation with Flora, an AI canvas that connects multiple tools and batches processes.
Updating Scenario Character Images with Flora
See my process of generating new character images with Flora to update a project management branching scenario.
Character Consistency Q&A
Common questions and answers about character consistency in AI-generated images. Tips for prompting, tools, and ethics.
Generating Consistent Characters in the Midjourney Web Interface
Follow this process for generating consistent characters in the Midjourney web interface. Get tips for better results.
Create Consistent Character Images in Midjourney
You can create consistent character images in different poses using Midjourney. Learn the process and how to prompt for these images. (This post explains the process using the Discord interface.)
Midjourney
AI Images with Consistent Style in Midjourney
Learn how to generate images with a consistent style in Midjourney using the –sref attribute and a style reference.
Experiments with Midjourney Character Images
Experiments with more Midjourney character images, with examples from rural Africa and characters with disabilities.
Using the Midjourney Editor to Change Character Expressions
You can use the new Midjourney editor to change the expressions on illustrated character images. See my process and examples.
Other image generation tools
Comparing AI Image Generation Tools
Comparing strengths and use cases of multiple AI image generation tools, including Midjourney, Gemini, and Recraft.
Same Prompt, Different AI Image Models
I used the same prompt across different AI image models to see how they handled photorealistic and illustrated images.
Testing Freepik Spaces for Character Image Generation
Freepik Spaces is a node-based tool that combines multiple image and video tools. This has potential use for character images.
Nano Banana (Gemini) Character Image Experiments
Gemini 2.5 Flash (more commonly known as the “Nano Banana” model) was released in August, but I haven’t had much chance to experiment with it until now. Like ChatGPT’s image generation tool, Nano Banana can generate and edit images in a chat format. In my testing, I found that the images look more realistic than
Frustrations with ChatGPT Image Generation
I find ChatGPT image generation frustrating. Sometimes it works great, but other times I struggle with details in scenes.
Experimenting with Character Generation in ConsistentCharacter.ai
The ConsistentCharacter.ai tool generates character images in multiple poses and has an Expression Editor for more precise control.
Note: When I tested it, the tool included options for photorealistic characters. Now, this tool focuses on illustrated characters, especially cartoon style images for picture books. The current styles may not fit workplace training well.
AI video and audio generation
Generative AI provides opportunities to develop video, music, and audio inexpensively. Multimedia generation that would have been too complex and expensive to even consider in the past is now within reach for a wider range of users.
Generating Conversation Videos with InfiniteTalk
InfiniteTalk is an image-to-video AI tool that can generate videos of talking avatars for conversations and scenarios.
Hedra Character 3 Video Generation
Samples of video generation with Hedra Character 3 showing a character with lip synced dialogue and calm and frustrated emotions.
AI Image to Video Experiments with Hedra
Hedra uses AI to generate videos of people talking from static images. This has possibilities for scenarios and training.
Playing with AI Music Generation
I’ve been playing with AI music generation tools. Listen to my examples of songs created by AI music tools Suno and Udio.
Writing and building scenarios with AI
Updating A Twine Branching Scenario with AI – Part 1
I’m showing my process as I’m updating a Twine scenario using Claude for new UI and Flora for new images.
How To Use AI to Write Scenarios
How can you use AI to write scenarios for learning? Read this example with prompts and results using ChatGPT and Gemini.
Draft Choices and Alternate Paths with ChatGPT
You can draft branching scenario choices and alternate paths with ChatGPT. See this example scenario in process with sample prompts.
Prototype Branching Scenario Written by ChatGPT
Try this prototype branching scenario written by ChatGPT and find out what I learned in the process of creating it.
Reflections on AI and instructional design
These are snapshots of my reflections on AI and instructional design at different points in time.
Considerations for Using AI Images Ethically
Review considerations for using AI images ethically with transformative use, caution with copyright and commercial rights, and more. (June 2026)
Not All Revolutionary or Garbage: A Moderate Take on AI
The extreme views on AI claim it’s either revolutionary or garbage. I have a moderate take on AI: It’s useful but doesn’t change everything. (March 2025)
AI Right Now: Mindset to Learn Podcast
Listen to my interview about how I’m using AI right now in L&D with Joanie Musser on the Mindset to Learn podcast. (July 2024)
How AI Will Affect Instructional Design: My Thoughts Right Now
Early thoughts on how AI will affect instructional design. Most ID jobs won’t disappear, but the field will change as AI augments our work. (October 2023)
Useful Prompts and Examples
These prompts won’t revolutionize your work, but they may make it easier.
7 Useful Prompts for Instructional Designers
These 7 useful prompts will make your work easier. Alt text, captions, image style, image ideas, explain code, brainstorm, rewrite.
How I Made an Accessible Vibe Coded Activity
Vibe coding activities with Claude can help you build interactive practice quickly, but they won’t be accessible unless you ask.
How to Use AI as a Stand-In SME for Portfolio Samples
How do you get info for portfolio samples when you don’t have a SME? Use AI as your stand-in SME and interview it with these prompts.
Podcasts and presentations
Artificial Intelligence and Instructional Design
This part of our conversation focused on AI and instructional design, published in April 2026. Topics covered: Practical applications of AI, analysis and skill mapping, the efficiency illusion, AI as a thinking partner, and navigating ethics and privacy.
dominKnow Webinar: Build Cohesive Learning Visuals with AI
Watch the recording of my dominKnow webinar on building cohesive learning visuals with AI, including consistent style, colors, and characters.
Near-Life Webinar: Leveraging the Power of AI in Branching Scenario Design
Watch the recording of my webinar with Karl Kapp and Mike Todd on leveraging AI in branching scenario design.
IDIODC Podcast: AI-Generated Images for Learning Content
Listen to my interview on the IDIODC podcast about moving from generic to custom with AI-generated images for learning content.
What else should I write about?
What else should I write about related to generative AI? If you have a specific question or topic you’d like to see me address in a future blog post, let me know.