Insight into action - How AI and dashboards are making learning at Defense smarter
Data is only valuable if you do something with it. That sounds logical, but in many learning environments information gets stuck in reports that are rarely read, or systems that do not give a clear picture of what is really needed. Within the Department of Defense, they want to change that. Now that the foundation has been laid with a powerful on-premise data warehouse, the next step is clear: deploying smart analytics and visual dashboards that not only track learning, but drive it.
Within the AMALT program, an advanced analysis model is being developed for this purpose, in close cooperation with TNO and NLR. This model translates all collected learning and HR data into actionable insights and personalized recommendations - enabled by AI.
From overview to insight
The analysis model consists of two smart layers: an interpretation model and an advice model. The interpretation model looks at the vast amount of data in the data lake and recognizes patterns that often remain invisible to the human eye. Think of signals of declining motivation, recurring knowledge gaps within certain teams or employees who structurally skip learning.
On top of that, the advisory model builds. This model - powered by AI - makes suggestions for next steps. Not based on gut feeling, but substantiated with data. Has an employee not yet mastered a critical skill? Then he or she is recommended a specific learning activity. Does multiple sources show that a team is falling behind in a particular theme? Then this is made visible to the team leader with immediately deployable solutions.
AI as a co-player of the learning professional
This way of working does not mean that AI takes over decisions. On the contrary. Instead, the power is in the collaboration. AI takes the heavy lifting - sifting through data, recognizing connections, calculating impact - so that L&D professionals can do what they do best: make choices, guide and adjust.
According to Max Mertens of NLV:
"AI becomes the silent partner of every learning professional. The analytics model identifies, substantiates and advises. But it is the people who provide direction."
The result: no more generic learning paths, but informed, data-driven choices that fit the practice.
From insight to action with dashboards
All insights from the analytics model are brought together in clear, role-based dashboards. These dashboards form the visual layer of the system: a place where employees, learning supervisors and managers can see what is happening - and what is needed.
For the employee, the dashboard provides a personalized view of progress, moments of reflection, feedback and recommendations. For the learning supervisor, it shows trends in performance, engagement and effectiveness of learning activities. And for the L&D manager, it provides steering information: which programs are working, where are bottlenecks emerging, which teams are developing rapidly and which are not?
So instead of evaluating after the fact, the system allows for interim adjustments. Real-time. Targeted. And with impact.
Innovation that stays relevant
What makes the analytics model truly innovative is that it continuously improves itself. Each learning activity produces new data. AI learns from what works and what doesn't. This makes the system not only smarter, but also more personal and relevant. With a combination of Learning Analytics, AI and automation, this creates a learning culture that moves with what is needed - rather than sticking to what once worked.
What's on the schedule?
Starting in September 2025, TNO, NLR and Next Learning Valley, as part of AMALT, will actively work on the development of the analysis model and dashboards. These form the crucial link between raw data and concrete learning experiences. In combination with the datalake, this creates a system that goes further than just recording - it thinks with you, provides substantiated advice and supports in a targeted way in the learning and development journey.
Learn more about... learning?
Wondering how this can also help your organization get a better grip on learning processes and development opportunities? Make an appointment with NLV. Max Mertens will be happy to show you how AI and dashboards not only provide insight, but also make a difference in practice.
Also making work of personalized learning?
Please feel free to contact François Walgering for an informal discussion. We are happy to think with you about the future of learning within your organization.
François Walgering | CEO Next Learning Valley
fwalgering@nextlearningvalley.com
+31 6 14201936
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