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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
Writing scenarios with AI
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Useful Prompts
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.
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 in the comments.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi there, Christy. Hope you’re doing well. I’ve been using AI to troubleshoot my development in Storyline. It’s been incredibly helpful and eye opening how fast it helps an ID improve their coding, analysis and structuring skills. I’m curious if you’ve had similar experiences with it.
I haven’t had too many projects where I need to do code lately, but I have used AI to troubleshoot some CSS that I just couldn’t get working right. I probably would have figured it out eventually through trial and error, but the process was so much easier with AI. I’ve used AI to help me understand someone else’s JavaScript too, which was immensely helpful.
I attended an interesting session by Jeff Batt at the Training Magazine Conference about building apps with AI “no code” tools. I think the process is trickier than a lot of the “vibe coding” hype implies, but it was interesting to think about the possibilities. It gave me enough confidence to think that I could potentially build something myself, assuming I had enough time to experiment and iterate.