As AI tools become increasingly accessible, more organisations are exploring the idea of using artificial intelligence to create training content. On the surface, it seems like a win: fast content, low cost, and endless potential. But beneath the surface lies a critical question:

Can you really replace a trainer with an algorithm?

If you’re thinking of using AI to generate a training course—especially without being a trained educator or facilitator—this article is your warning, your guide and ...your reality check.

The Allure of AI Course Creation

Let’s be clear; AI can be an incredible tool in the trainer’s toolbox. Tools like ChatGPT, Synthesia and AI course builders can:

• Draft lesson outlines in minutes
• Generate learning objectives using Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Repurpose blogs into course content
• Create quiz questions, summaries, and slide decks
• Save weeks of writing and structuring time

This all sounds impressive... and it is. But the problem isn’t the tool. The problem is how it’s used, especially when course creation is approached without the expertise of a skilled human trainer.

What Skills Does AI Replace?

When using AI to assist in course development, it does effectively replace or diminish the need for some traditional training skills:

AI Course Creation vs. Human Trainer Risks – Summary Table

The image above compares the tasks that AI can handle in course creation and the associated risks if not reviewed by a skilled trainer. While AI can support content structuring, slide formatting, and quiz generation, it often overlooks depth, relevance, and learner engagement—elements only a human can provide.

While AI tools can streamline many parts of the course development process—such as researching content, creating outlines and generating quizzes—they often produce results that are shallow, generic, or lacking in learner relevance. These tools may help draft materials quickly, but without the insight of a human trainer, courses risk becoming outdated, surface-level, or detached from real-world needs. AI can format slides and summarise articles, but it can’t replace the judgement, context, and emotional intelligence that only a human educator brings.

"In short, AI handles structure and surface. But that’s where the danger lies—a polished shell is not the same as an effective course."

The Hidden Pitfalls of AI-Generated Courses

Here are the real-world dangers of using AI to create training content without the input of a human trainer:

1. Surface-Level Content

AI pulls from publicly available sources, which means the content is often generic and lacks the nuance of lived experience. Learners spot this quickly.

2. No Real-World Context

AI doesn’t understand your learners’ challenges, industries, or day-to-day roles. It can’t ground lessons in authentic examples.

3. No Practice, No Progress

AI rarely designs effective practice-based activities, role plays, or simulations. These are critical for behavioural change and skill development.

NOTE: Unlike other courses this is exactly where The Negotiation Club plays a critical requirement for negotiation skills development.

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4. Poor Assessment Design

Most AI tools default to simple quizzes. These test memory, not understanding, decision-making, or judgement.

5. Lack of Emotional Connection

AI can’t tell a story. It can’t make people laugh, relate, or feel inspired. Without a human voice, the course often feels flat or robotic.

6. Bias, Ethics, and Tone-Deaf Content

AI reflects the data it’s trained on—and it doesn’t always recognise bias, insensitivity, or inappropriate tone unless you intervene.

7. Danger of False Confidence

Because the content looks polished, users may assume it’s high quality. But looking good isn’t the same as being educationally sound.

The Skills a Human Trainer Brings That AI Can’t Replicate

Creating a course isn’t just arranging slides and quizzes. It’s about understanding how people learn, what holds them back and how to help them grow.

Here are critical skills a human trainer uses when designing courses—none of which can be replaced by AI:

• Subject Matter Judgement – Knowing what really matters and what doesn’t
• Contextualisation – Tailoring content to the audience’s real-life context
• Practice Design – Creating activities that simulate reality and develop real skill
• Facilitation and Feedback – Responding to learner cues and giving meaningful input
• Emotional Intelligence – Reading the room, adjusting tone, building trust
• Storytelling – Bringing the content to life with lived experiences
• Inspiration – Making learners want to apply what they’ve learned

An effective course isn’t just informative—it’s transformative. And that only happens when it’s made with intention and insight.

Responsible Use of AI: A Course Creator’s Checklist

If you are planning to use AI in your course creation, use this Course Creator Warning Checklist to make sure you’re not cutting corners that compromise learning.

Before You Publish, Ask:

• Have I fact-checked and corrected inaccuracies?
• Have I replaced robotic language with a human voice?
• Have I added real examples, stories, or case studies?
• Have I designed practice activities to develop skills, not just deliver information?
• Are assessments aligned with actual learning outcomes?
• Have I considered ethical, inclusive, and cultural dimensions?
• Have I tested this content with a real audience and gathered feedback?

“If I took my name off this course, would I still be proud of it?”

If the answer is “maybe” or “no,” then it’s not ready.

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Consider AI The Assistant, Not The Architect

"AI should support your process—not define it."

Use it to generate ideas. Let it speed up formatting. Ask it to summarise reports. But the final design, the practice activities, the real examples, the flow, and the delivery? That should be human-led.

If you’re not a trained educator or facilitator, seek input. Partner with someone who understands how people actually learn. Because at the end of the day, a course is not a checklist of slides .... it’s a journey.... and journeys need a guide.

About the Author Philip Brown

Phil Brown is the founder of The Negotiation Club, a training organisation built on the belief that negotiation is a skill developed through practice, not theory. With 30 years of procurement and commercial experience, Phil now helps professionals worldwide build confidence and fluency through structured, repeatable negotiation practice. Experience Phils unique negotiation practice at a FREE NEGOTIATION TASTER ....

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