The Future of Education Under New Executive Orders

In this edition of IDOL News, Dr. Robin Sargent broke down the major changes unfolding in education following a series of new executive orders signed by President Trump. These actions are sending shockwaves through the learning and development landscape and reshaping how educators, corporate instructional designers, and institutions define quality, compliance, and innovation.

One of the biggest changes involves a crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards within accreditation. Accrediting bodies that require DEI practices are now flagged for review, pushing a shift toward depoliticized learning outcomes. New compliance rules require schools to measure student outcomes without factoring in race, sex, or ethnicity, fundamentally changing how success is tracked and reported.

Discipline policies in K-12 education are also changing. Prior policies that tracked disparities based on race and gender are being reversed, replaced by what the administration calls "common sense discipline." This could impact how instructional designers approach training related to school discipline procedures.

Perhaps the most significant opportunity lies in the federal push to scale AI training for educators. There is a national directive to incorporate artificial intelligence literacy into both student and teacher education programs, creating an urgent need for new AI-focused curricula.

How Accreditation and Compliance Changes Will Impact Instructional Design

Reforming Accreditation Standards

The executive orders call for a fundamental reform of accreditation standards. Institutions must now prioritize measurable student outcomes without reference to race, ethnicity, or sex. Intellectual diversity among faculty is emphasized to promote academic freedom and balanced learning environments.

Instructional designers working in higher education will need to adjust curricula, develop new assessment strategies, and ensure that programs align with evolving accreditation criteria focused solely on student performance metrics.

Workforce Readiness Over Ideology

Preparing Americans for high-paying, skilled trade jobs is another key initiative. Alternative credentials are now officially encouraged as a legitimate path alongside traditional four-year degrees. This presents a massive opportunity for corporate instructional designers to develop programs centered on practical, job-ready skills that align with real industry demands.

The shift to valuing alternative credentials elevates the importance of trade schools, career schools, and vocational education—areas where instructional designers can make a direct impact.

AI Training for Educators: A National Priority

Another groundbreaking move is the establishment of an AI Education Task Force tasked with integrating AI literacy into all levels of education. This is not just a recommendation but a national policy. Instructional designers have an open lane to create AI training programs for teachers and students, helping shape the next generation of technologically proficient workers.

Early Results: AI’s Impact on Student Advancement

Robin shared a compelling anecdote about a U.S. school already integrating AI into its curriculum. In just two hours of AI-enhanced learning, some students achieved progress equivalent to two years of traditional schooling. Although the source was anecdotal and deserves further research, the early results suggest AI has the potential to transform educational outcomes at a staggering rate.

Instructional designers must begin thinking about how AI-driven personalized learning could revolutionize course design and learner engagement strategies.

New Tools for Instructional Designers: Canva Create and Gamma App

Canva Create: Democratizing Code for Learning Experiences

Josh Cavalier announced the launch of Canva Create, introducing Canva Code, a generative AI platform that allows users to build interactive digital experiences simply by typing prompts. Instructional designers can now create quizzes, interactive timelines, simulations, and data visualizations without writing a single line of code.

This democratization of coding breaks barriers and empowers learning professionals to develop engaging learning assets more quickly and easily than ever before. It represents a seismic shift in how instructional designers can create personalized, dynamic learning without needing deep technical skills.

Gamma App: Building Websites in Minutes

Reuben Hassid highlighted another powerful AI tool: Gamma App. Originally a tool for creating AI-powered slide decks, Gamma now allows users to build fully functional websites within minutes. Instructional designers can quickly create course launch pages, learner resource hubs, onboarding microsites, and even personal portfolio websites without technical expertise.

The ability to deploy polished, professional websites rapidly opens new possibilities for content delivery, program visibility, and professional branding in learning and development.

The Role of AI in Instructional Design’s Future

AI is no longer an optional tool for instructional designers—it is becoming foundational. New technologies like Canva Create and Gamma App demonstrate how AI can remove traditional development barriers, allowing learning professionals to focus on strategy, storytelling, and learner outcomes.

Robin also announced the upcoming launch of IDOL for AI, a comprehensive credentialing program covering everything from basic AI prompting to building sophisticated AI agents for learning organizations. Instructional designers who want to future-proof their careers can join the waitlist at idolcourses.com/ai.

Learning and Development Trends to Watch

Skills-Based Hiring Takes Priority

The emphasis on skills-based hiring continues to grow as employers shift away from traditional degree requirements. Instructional designers must design programs that deliver measurable, real-world skills aligned with immediate industry needs.

Data-Driven Learning Becomes Standard

With executive orders emphasizing measurable student outcomes and AI tools providing deeper analytics, instructional designers must become adept at designing programs that leverage learning data to track, predict, and enhance learner success.

Rapid Content Development Using AI Tools

The ability to quickly develop interactive and dynamic content using tools like Canva Create and Gamma App is setting a new standard for instructional design efficiency. Mastery of these AI tools will be a key differentiator for instructional designers moving forward.

Upcoming Opportunities: IDOL Presents Webinars

Robin reminded viewers about IDOL Presents, a free webinar series featuring the top voices in learning and development. On May 8, Sharon will present “AI Course Development Kickstarter,” a session designed to help instructional designers kickstart their AI-driven course development skills.

Registering for any IDOL Presents session grants access to a library of past webinars, offering a growing resource for learning and professional development.

Conclusion

Education and corporate training are undergoing rapid, seismic changes. From executive orders reshaping accreditation standards to AI integration becoming a national priority, instructional designers are at the forefront of these transformations. Embracing AI tools, focusing on measurable outcomes, and designing workforce-ready learning programs will be critical for success.

Those who adapt quickly to these changes will not only thrive but will help shape the future of education and training. Stay informed, stay agile, and seize the incredible opportunities unfolding right now in the learning and development field.