How generative AI is making e-learning faster and more personal in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, woensdag, 5 november 2025.
Imagine creating a complete learning module in just a few minutes, tailored to your target audience, featuring an engaging avatar explaining how to work safely. This is now possible thanks to the new generative AI features in Adobe Captivate, which have been available in the Netherlands since last week. The most striking capability? AI can now generate contextually appropriate learning objectives, scenarios, and quiz questions—but only if you phrase the prompt correctly. A vague request like ‘write something’ produces no useful output, whereas a clear instruction such as ‘create a one-minute video for new employees about safety rules, in an informal tone’ results in professional, engaging material. The tool doesn’t rely on full automation, but on smart collaboration between human and machine—and that is the real breakthrough.
The revolution of generative AI in e-learning: from idea to learning module in minutes
Since last week, the new generative AI integration in Adobe Captivate has been available in the Netherlands, enabling training developers to create personalised, interactive learning experiences within minutes [1]. The feature is integrated into Adobe Captivate 13.0, released on 2025-11-04, with a focus on automating text generation, image creation, avatar narration, and automatic transcriptions [2]. These tools are designed to accelerate e-learning content creation without compromising quality or accessibility [3]. For example, a course developer can generate a one-minute video for new employees about safety rules in an informal tone by using a clear, contextual prompt [4]. Without such clarity, an imprecise request like ‘write something’ yields no useful output, highlighting the importance of strategically formulating prompts [5]. The tool uses contextual prompt techniques that request specific characteristics such as learning objectives, target audience, tone, and duration, resulting in content aligned with the developer’s intent [6]. According to Adobe, this is not full automation, but a collaboration between human and machine where the human retains control over the learning process and quality [7].
From everyday instructions to complex scenarios: the power of smart prompts
The true power of AI lies in the quality of the input instructions. A well-crafted prompt—such as ‘Generate a scenario where a retail employee helps an angry customer who received the wrong product, in a professional and supportive tone’—leads to realistic, educational interactions that can be used directly in a course [8]. In contrast, a vague request like ‘create a customer service situation’ is too ambiguous to produce a useful result [9]. Adobe’s best practices emphasise the importance of clearly defining the target audience, learning objectives, assessment type, and design preferences so that AI can respond more effectively [10]. This approach ensures that the output is not only informative but also relevant to the target group, such as beginners within a company or specific industries [11]. The AI also supports generating quiz questions, such as three multiple-choice questions and one true/false question about workplace fire safety, thereby increasing the efficiency of e-learning development [12]. These capabilities are enabled by advanced prompt engineering techniques that use natural language to generate complex, context-aware results [13].
Accessibility, personalisation, and inclusivity: AI as a tool for equal opportunities
Generative AI in Adobe Captivate directly contributes to inclusivity by automatically generating transcripts for voiceovers, improving accessibility for learners with hearing impairments [14]. The tool also supports spoken text in multiple languages and accents, including Dutch content trained on local educational contexts [15]. Additionally, users can employ AI avatars with lip-sync and multilingual support, adding a personal, human touch to digital courses [16]. These avatars can personalise the learning experience by adjusting tone, pace, and emotional expression to suit the target audience [17]. Furthermore, the tool allows e-learning content to be adapted based on user profiles and learning goals, which is essential for microlearning and just-in-time training [18]. The tool is designed according to accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 and Section 508, with support for alternative text, keyboard navigation, and accessible click areas [19]. These features ensure that learning experiences are not only created faster, but also more widely accessible to diverse groups.
Balancing automation and human expertise: critical thinking is essential
Although AI accelerates creative work, it is stressed that it is not a replacement for experienced training developers, but a powerful tool [20]. Adobe recommends always reviewing AI output, validating facts, and aligning content with learning objectives [21]. Quality control is crucial, as AI may sometimes generate inaccurate or inappropriate information, especially with complex or sensitive topics [22]. Best practices highlight the importance of iteratively refining prompts and combining successful results to improve output [23]. User feedback is cited as a vital method for measuring relevance and clarity [24]. This underscores that AI is not an endpoint, but a step within a broader process of design, validation, and improvement. The human remains responsible for the content, authenticity, and ethical quality of the learning experience [25].
The growing network of AI applications in public communication: from e-learning to libraries
The use of AI in e-learning is just one part of a larger transformation in public communication in the Netherlands. Since 2025-10-28, twelve municipalities have been piloting AI recommender systems in public libraries, personalising book recommendations based on reading behaviour and individual preferences [26]. These systems use anonymised data from over two million users since 2024-01-01 to train their models [27]. Transparency is a central element: users can gain insight into how recommendations are generated and adjust their reading patterns via a dedicated dashboard [28]. Implementation is scheduled to be completed by 2025-11-15, but is not yet final [29]. This project demonstrates how AI plays a role not only in education, but also in cultural and social service delivery. The goal is to make knowledge accessible to diverse audiences through personalised, relevant suggestions [30]. Similarly, Adobe Captivate supports integration with Adobe Experience Cloud, allowing learner performance to be tracked and content to be adaptively tailored to learning experiences [31].