AI for content creation

Generative AI can support the creation of learning content by helping learning designers produce first drafts, alternative explanations, examples, summaries, and other teaching materials more efficiently. Its value lies in accelerating drafting and variation, not in replacing the need for editorial judgement or subject expertise.

Where AI can help

AI can be useful for generating or refining:

explanatory text summaries of source material worked examples discussion prompts glossary entries instructions for activities or assessments alternate phrasings for difficult concepts learner-facing introductions and transitions

This can be particularly useful when a course requires a consistent tone across many pages or when the designer needs to present the same concept in more than one way.

Good practice

When using AI for content creation:

Work from approved source material
Use established programme documents, course descriptions, standards, legislation, or SME notes as the basis for prompting.

Keep the educational purpose clear
Ask the AI to create content for a specific purpose such as introducing a concept, reinforcing prior learning, or preparing learners for a task.

Edit for accuracy and tone
AI-generated text should be treated as a draft. Check facts, terminology, tone, and suitability for the learner group.

Adjust for readability
AI can produce text that is grammatically correct but too dense, too abstract, or too polished. Revise it to suit the learners and the delivery format.

Preserve coherence
Ensure the generated content fits with the rest of the course in terminology, structure, and level of difficulty.

Risks and limitations

AI-generated content may:

invent details or references flatten nuance in complex subject matter repeat ideas in different words without adding value default to a generic educational tone sound convincing while still being wrong or incomplete

The risk increases when prompts are vague or when the source material itself is unclear.

Example uses

Example 1: Turning notes into learner-facing content

A designer has SME notes in bullet-point form. AI can be used to turn those notes into a short learner-facing explanation, followed by:

a summary a quick self-check question a transition into the next activity

The designer still reviews the output to ensure the explanation is correct and that the language is appropriate for the level.

Example 2: Producing multiple explanations

Where learners may struggle with a concept, AI can produce:

a formal explanation a plainer-English explanation a workplace-context example a short recap version

This is useful when trying to diversify content without rewriting everything manually.

Practical guidance

AI works best for content creation when the task is specific and bounded. It is especially useful for:

first drafts variations adaptation for different levels or tones converting rough notes into coherent prose

It is less reliable when asked to produce complete high-stakes content with no source material or review.

Use AI to help create content faster, but keep the final responsibility for clarity, coherence, and correctness with the learning designer.