I started developing elearning content using an in-house development tool. Only people within the company knew how to work with it. Eventually we moved to Macromedia Director.
Depending on how old you are, or your knowledge of development tool history, you might have heard of people crafting courses and content together in Flash, Shockware and HTML.
During the time I’ve been involved in elearning development there has always been development shifts. The introduction of the iPhone and the removal of support of Flash was a massive shift within digital development, not just elearning.
It is difficult to think back, how massive a shift this was. Flash and Shockwave was used for most interactive elements that you wanted to create.
Shift to today and its AI tools that are reshaping how we develop elearning content, but the same issues remain. If you don’t track their use, you risk compliance, security, and credibility issues.
Time to think about audit trails and how you need to include checks and balances. They aren’t just useful. They are critical for staying ahead if you are using AI Development tools.
What’s an AI audit trail
Think about who documents who is using AI tools, how they’re being used, and what outcomes they produce. If it’s no-one then it’s time to give that some consideration.
An audit trail helps you manage risks, ensure transparency, and prepare for future regulations.
Even a simple spreadsheet can help track your tools, team actions, and approvals.
Why AI Audit Trails in elearning Development Are Essential
When it comes to elearning development, have you ever stopped to think about what’s happening behind the scenes? Are you a buyer of elearning? Do you know where the images and video assets are sourced from?
No? I’d be asking or checking the contract you have.
The end product might be the engaging, interactive courses, and its what grabs attention but as AI tools become central to the process, a clear audit trail is no longer a “nice-to-have.”
It’s essential.
The Invisible infrastructure of Elearning Development
Creating elearning needs an elearning development team. The team will consist of writers, graphic designers, animators, all relying on tools like Articulate 360, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Google Docs and more. And know those tools have AI integration and they’ll probably be using AI tools.
Each person and tool contributes to the final product, but are you considering this:
If you’re not documenting every step of the process, you might run into problems later:
- Who worked on the project and at what stage
- What tools were used?
- Were the tools and content approved?
Without an audit trail, a copyright oversight or security breach could create serious headaches.
And when AI tools join the mix, things get more complicated.
“The biggest challenge organisations face when integrating AI into elearning content development is not tracking AI tool usage,” says Scott Hewitt. “Without this oversight, you risk losing control of what tools are used and how they impact your processes.”
Two Big Questions to Ask About AI
- Are Your AI Tools Approved?
Before using AI software, does it go through an internal approval process? You need to ensure it’s secure, compliant, and that your data isn’t being used to train other models. - What About AI Enhancements in Your Existing Tools?
Even tools you’ve trusted for years—like your LMS or design platforms—now integrate AI. Do you know what happens to your content when you use these features? Is it secure? Have you looped in your IT team?
“To address this, organisations should use an audit trail—even something as simple as starting with Google Sheets can help document what tools are being used, by who, and for what purpose,” Scott Hewitt advises. “This creates a baseline for accountability.”
Building an AI Audit Trail
Think of this as adding AI to your existing workflow, not starting from scratch. A simple spreadsheet can track key information:
- The tools used and their approval status (approved, in review, failed)
- Inputs and outputs for each stage of development.
- The team members responsible.
This trail ensures you’re ready for future regulations, protects you from compliance surprises, and builds trust internally and externally.
“If organisations don’t track AI tool usage, they’re not future-proofing and failing to be transparent,” says Scott Hewitt. “At some point, people will need to know where content originated, and without clear records, you risk credibility and compliance issues.”
Why Does This Matter?
Whether you’re creating content in-house or outsourcing, transparency is critical. Ask your suppliers:
- Are they using AI?
- How is it integrated into their process?
The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to manage risks and maintain consistency.
“For those just starting, my advice is to apply the same rules to AI tools as you do to software procurement,” suggests Scott Hewitt. “If your organisation doesn’t have these rules in place, now is the time to create them. It’s about ensuring the tools align with your compliance and security standards right from the start.”
Start Small, Stay Safe
If you’re not already tracking your tools and processes, start simple. A basic log is enough to get the ball rolling, and over time, this habit will become second nature.
AI isn’t just a trend, it’s changing the elearning development process.
By building an audit trail, you’re not only staying compliant but also setting yourself up for long-term success.
What is the role of AI in elearning?
AI enhances elearning by personalising learning experiences, automating repetitive tasks, and providing real-time feedback. It uses algorithms to adapt content based on user behaviour, making training more engaging and efficient for organisations.
How does AI help in content creation?
AI tools assist in creating elearning content by generating text, images, and even interactive elements. They speed up development, suggest content ideas, and help tailor materials to different audiences while maintaining consistency and accuracy.
How can AI help with learning and development?
AI supports learning and development by identifying skill gaps, recommending tailored training, and analysing employee performance. It enables organisations to deliver targeted and efficient training programmes aligned with business goals.
