Many e-learning creators immediately think of AI avatars as “talking heads.” But the most effective use of avatars in Rise is not as narration replacements. Instead, they work best as instructional tools that support decision-making, reflection, and practice.
When paired with the right Rise blocks, AI avatars can help create more human, scenario-driven learning experiences without overwhelming the course.
Here are three practical ways to use AI avatars effectively in Rise, along with an example of each method!
1. Use AI Avatars to Introduce a Realistic Scenario
Why This Works
AI avatars are especially effective for creating emotional context and realism. A short avatar video can frame a workplace situation in a way that text alone often cannot.
Instead of simply describing a scenario, you can let learners experience it through a realistic conversation, challenge, or moment of tension.
This approach helps learners connect emotionally before moving into decision-making activities.
Best Practices
Keep the avatar segment:
- Short and focused
- Around 30–60 seconds
- Centered on one clear situation
- Conversational and natural sounding
After the video, transition learners directly into an activity or decision point while the context is still fresh.
Best Rise Blocks to Pair With
- Knowledge Check: Ask learners a specific follow-up question based on what they just watched.
- Scenario: Extend the situation with multiple decision points and consequences.
- Continue Divider: Use a continue button to separate the scenario into manageable steps and control pacing.
2. Use AI Avatars as a Coach Between Activities
Why This Works
Another effective use for AI avatars is as a learning coach or mentor. Instead of relying on long text transitions between sections, an avatar can reinforce key ideas, encourage reflection, and prepare learners for the next activity. This creates a more guided and conversational learning experience.
A short coaching moment can help learners pause, process what they just completed, and better understand why the next activity matters.
Best Practices
Avoid scripting avatars like formal narrators.
Instead, have them:
- Speak directly to the learner
- Reference the previous or upcoming activity
- Ask reflective questions
- Keep the tone supportive and practical
The goal is to make the learner feel guided, not lectured.
Best Rise Blocks to Pair With
- Sorting: Use the avatar to reinforce key concepts before learners complete the sort.
- Process: Introduce each step with a short explanation of why it matters in a real-world context.
- Labeled Graphic: Prepare learners by highlighting what details they should pay attention to and why those details matter.
3. Use AI Avatars to Provide Role-Based Perspectives
Why This Works
AI avatars are powerful tools for presenting different perspectives, such as:
- Managers
- Employees
- Customers
- Patients
- Stakeholders
Showing multiple viewpoints helps abstract concepts feel more realistic while encouraging learners to practice empathy and critical thinking. This approach works especially well for leadership, communication, customer service, compliance, and workplace behavior training.
Best Practices
Use multiple short clips instead of one long monologue.
Each avatar should represent:
- A distinct perspective
- A specific concern or challenge
- An important idea or decision point
After learners hear different perspectives, ask them to evaluate the situation or decide what action to take next.
Best Rise Blocks to Pair With
- Tab: Allow learners to explore each role and viewpoint individually.
- Scenario: Build a follow-up scenario with decisions and consequences.
- Knowledge Check: Ask learners to evaluate the situation and choose the best path forward.
Final Takeaway
AI avatars are most effective when they support active learning, not when they simply deliver information learners could read on their own.
The best learning experiences use avatars to:
- Introduce realistic scenarios
- Guide reflection
- Present different perspectives
- Prepare learners for meaningful interaction
When paired intentionally with Rise blocks like scenarios, sorting activities, knowledge checks, and others, AI avatars can help create learning experiences that feel more human and engaging. Give them a whirl in your next Rise project! Learn more here.
Nicole Legault 