The 3-Level Framework: How AI Adoptionists Are Powering the Future of L&D

A Message from Michael J. Giambra, CEO of ESource Corp

Image courtesy of DALL-E and ESource Prompt Optimizer

In today’s fast-evolving learning landscape, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming a strategic necessity. At ESource, we’ve seen firsthand how organizations can unlock new efficiencies, insights, and learner experiences through smart AI implementation. But successful adoption doesn’t happen by accident. It requires structure, leadership, and the right people in the right roles.

That’s where AI Adoptionists come in.

These forward-thinking professionals are the linchpins of AI transformation in learning and development (L&D). We’ve developed a 3-Level Framework to guide how organizations can strategically empower AI Adoptionists at every level of their learning ecosystem: the Learning Leader, the Project Manager, and the Instructional Designer.

Let’s break down each level and what it takes to adopt AI with intention and impact.

1. Learning Leader (Strategic Level)

At the highest level, Learning Leaders are responsible for setting vision, aligning AI adoption with business objectives, and creating an innovation-forward culture. AI Adoptionists in this role must be strategic advisors who can connect AI to organizational outcomes like scalability, learner success, and workforce readiness.

They’re also change champions. From creating internal communication plans to presenting a compelling case to the C-suite, they help advocate for AI adoption and secure buy-in. They assess organizational readiness, identify capability gaps, and build roadmaps to integrate AI in a way that aligns with long-term goals.

Just as important, they ensure ethical AI usage by designing governance policies around data privacy, bias mitigation, and responsible automation.

2. Project Manager (Operational Level)

AI adoption doesn’t run on autopilot—it takes structured execution. At the operational level, AI Adoptionists act as Project Managers, overseeing the tactical implementation of AI tools and systems across learning platforms.

They use AI implementation playbooks to map out timelines, budgets, and key milestones. They also manage vendor partnerships and tool integrations—ensuring that AI solutions work seamlessly with existing learning ecosystems like LMS platforms or e-commerce systems.

Project Managers help navigate change across the organization by identifying risks early and mitigating them with tailored training and communication plans. They also ensure that time, talent, and budget are allocated efficiently so that AI tools can scale sustainably.

3. Instructional Designer (Tactical Level)

On the front lines of learning design, Instructional Designers are in a unique position to harness the power of AI to create more dynamic, personalized, and scalable content. AI Adoptionists in this role focus on optimizing workflows and rethinking what’s possible in instructional design.

They use AI tools like ChatGPT and other LLMs to generate course content, synthesize research, and develop learning assessments. With platforms like Invideo, they can create AI-powered videos without expensive production costs.

To support consistency and speed, these Adoptionists also maintain AI prompt libraries and ready-to-use templates—reducing manual work and allowing more time for creative, learner-centered design.

Perhaps most importantly, they lead pilot projects that test AI-enhanced learning experiences, collecting feedback and adjusting content in real-time based on learner performance data.

Supporting Tools & Templates

At ESource, we don’t just talk strategy—we provide practical tools to make AI adoption actionable. Each level of the framework is supported by real-time solutions and expert-designed resources, including:

· The AI Adoption Roadmap – a step-by-step guide to rolling out AI tools

· The ESource L&D Expert Assistant – your on-demand AI partner for rapid learning design, real-time learner support, and instructional strategy alignment

· The ESource Prompt Optimizer – a simple tool to help learning teams craft high-impact AI prompts, improving speed and quality in AI-generated content

· Stakeholder Engagement Matrix – to map influence and ownership

· Integration Checklists – for aligning AI tools with your current tech stack

· Feedback & Evaluation Forms – to measure adoption impact and learner satisfaction

The Future Is AI-Enabled—and Human-Led

AI isn’t replacing learning professionals—it’s empowering them. When you activate the full potential of your AI Adoptionists, you equip your organization to move faster, design better, and deliver more impactful learning.

Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or scaling existing efforts, the 3-Level Framework gives you the structure, clarity, and momentum you need to lead the future of learning.

Ready to empower your team with the tools and training to make AI work for you? Get in touch with ESource to learn how we can help activate your AI Adoptionists. Let us help you across the threshold of traditional L&D to AI-powered L&D.