22 DAYS AGO • 4 MIN READ

Friday Finds — OpenAI's 'Deep Research' Feature, Consistent AI Characters, Standing Out as an L&D Pro

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Friday Finds

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"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."
– Albert Einstein

I've been thinking about all of you reading this from outside the US, and I just wanted to say - I know things look pretty chaotic over here right now. Honestly? I'm a bit embarrassed by what's unfolding in our country, and I'm truly sorry that the turbulence we're experiencing is creating ripples that will reach your shores, too.

But here's what keeps me going - we're all in this together. When I think about thoughtful, compassionate folks like you working hard for positive change wherever you are, it genuinely gives me hope. Your dedication reminds me that borders don't define our shared humanity or our collective future.

Thanks for reading!


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📰 News & Notes

ChatGPT Introduces 'Deep Research' Feature

The Rundown: ChatGPT has unveiled a new feature called 'Deep Research,' which combines advanced reasoning capabilities with real-time web browsing to deliver comprehensive and up-to-date responses. Note that using this feature requires a paid plan.

The Context:

  • 'Deep Research' allows ChatGPT to access and process information from the internet, enhancing its ability to provide current data and insights.​
  • This feature integrates ChatGPT's reasoning model with live web search functionalities, enabling more accurate and contextually relevant answers.​
  • Users can now receive responses that are not only based on pre-existing knowledge but also include the latest information available online.​

Why it Matters: By incorporating real-time web access into its AI model, ChatGPT significantly broadens its utility, making it a more powerful tool for tasks requiring up-to-date information. This advancement positions ChatGPT as a more versatile assistant for research, content creation, and decision-making processes.

Generating Consistent Characters in Midjourney

The Rundown: Christy Tucker outlines a streamlined method for creating consistent character images using Midjourney's web interface, eliminating the need for complex commands previously required in Discord. ​

The Context:

  • Users can now generate character images directly through Midjourney's web platform without relying on Discord. ​
  • The process involves crafting a detailed prompt that specifies the image type, character demographics, attire, setting, and actions.​
  • The web interface simplifies the workflow by removing the necessity to use URL links or remember specific syntax.

Why it Matters: This enhancement makes Midjourney more accessible and user-friendly, enabling creators to produce consistent character images more efficiently. Such advancements are particularly beneficial for fields like e-learning and storytelling, where visual consistency is crucial.

Standing Out in Your Field: 3 Essential Practices for L&D Professionals

The Rundown: This post outlines three key practices for Learning and Development (L&D) professionals aiming to distinguish themselves: continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and building a personal brand.

The Context:

  • Always Be Learning: It is important to dedicate time to stay updated with industry trends and research, suggesting tools like Feedly for efficient content tracking.
  • Share What You Learn: You can benefit from 'working out loud' by sharing insights and resources on platforms like LinkedIn, and recommends using tools such as Buffer for streamlined content sharing.
  • Build Your Personal Brand: Everyone should create a personal website (e.g., yourname.com) to showcase expertise and establish an online presence.

Why it Matters: In a rapidly evolving L&D landscape, adopting these practices not only enhances professional growth but also positions individuals as leaders who contribute to the advancement of the field.

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🎧 Podcast of the Week

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

Map Learner Journeys From Awareness to Action

This week continues the sneak peek into our book "Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro" with a look at Chapter 3, which is all about Learner Journeys. Learn what they are and how to use them successfully in your L&D programs.

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