Learning Trends & Innovations SIG (Virtual): Applying AI in Learning and Development: The Human Machine Performance Analyst
Description:
As AI accelerates its integration across the learning ecosystem, the mandate for Learning & Development leaders is shifting from delivering learning to architecting intelligent performance systems. Today’s L&D function is being reimagined from content producers to strategic enablers who harness data, analytics, and AI to drive enterprise capability.
This session introduces the Human Machine Performance Analyst (HMPA)—a future-critical role that blends instructional design expertise with data science, people analytics, and AI literacy. Built on the framework from Applying AI in L&D: From Platforms to Performance, this session will demonstrate how the HMPA role elevates learning functions by converting raw learning and performance data into actionable intelligence, orchestrating AI-enabled workflows, and optimizing human–machine collaboration to deliver measurable business impact.
For CLOs and Learning leaders, the HMPA represents a scalable strategic capability—one that operationalizes learning data, strengthens decision-making, and links learning investments directly to performance outcomes.
In this session, you will learn how to:
- Define the purpose, scope, and strategic value of the Human Machine Performance Analyst, and understand where the role fits within a modern learning organization.
- Map the competency shift required for L&D teams, evolving from content development to data-driven performance orchestration and AI-supported talent enablement.
- Identify the critical data sources, AI tools, governance models, and ethical considerations required to build a trusted and effective human–machine performance ecosystem.
- Design a practical roadmap to develop or scale HMPA capability, enabling you to transition individual practitioners—or your entire learning organization—toward a future-ready, AI-augmented operating model aligned to enterprise strategy
Presenter: Josh Cavalier

Josh Cavalier is the founder and CEO of JoshCavalier.ai, helping L&D professionals harness AI to transform human-machine performance. With over 30 years of experience in education technology, he makes AI practical through training, speaking, and his live show, Brainpower. His book, Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance, provides a roadmap for integrating AI into learning and development, utilizing real-world platforms, tools, and workflows, while also addressing ethical considerations.
ATD Capability Model:
Personal: Collaboration & Leadership, Lifelong Learning
Professional: Technology Application, Career & Leadership Development
Organizational: Business Insight, Future Readiness