Introduction to the AI4AL self-paced training course

The AI4AL self-paced training path is a comprehensive training programme designed to equip educators with essential knowledge and skills related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its application in adult learning (AI4AL). This curriculum embodies a key initiative within the project to enable educators to effectively harness AI technologies, improving learning experiences and outcomes for adult learners.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies is reshaping various aspects of society, and the field of education is no exception. Understanding AI concepts and integrating AI tools into educational practices can significantly benefit the Adult Education sector by personalizing learning experiences, optimizing curriculum design, and augmenting student support. This training program has been meticulously crafted to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation, fostering a deeper comprehension of AI's potential in the educational domain.

At the end of the course, the trainees:
✔ Will have understood the fundamental concepts of AI and its possible applications to the Adult Education sector;
✔ Will be able to fully understand the value of their contribution and that of the AI in the path that has involved them up to that moment in WP3;
✔ Will be able to use the AI4AL matching tool.

Module 1: Understanding AI Fundamentals

Learning objectives of the module

✔ Develop a foundational understanding of AI by defining its core principles and tracing its historical evolution through key milestones;

✔ Acquire essential knowledge of AI terminologies, including algorithms, data, and machine learning, forming the groundwork for grasping AI concepts;

✔ Investigate the broad societal influence of AI, with a special focus on its transformative applications in adult education through Adaptive Learning and Learning Analytics;

✔ Recognize the advantages of AI in adult education, including improved personalization, enhanced engagement, and data-driven decision-making,
contributing to an elevated learning landscape.

Module 2: Ethical and Responsible AI Use

Ethical and responsible use of AI aims to ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a way that is ethical, responsible, fair and beneficial to society. This includes consideration of the following issues, that will be addressed by the module:
✔ AI systems should have an equal and nondiscriminatory treatment of all individuals. This requires transparency, accountability and human oversight.
✔ AI systems collect and store sensitive personal data. This data must be protected from unauthorised access and use.
✔ Humans should retain control over AI systems and be able to intervene when necessary.
✔ AI systems should be developed and deployed in a way that has a positive impact on society and does not do harm to individuals or society.

By following these principles, we can ensure that AI is used for the benefit of all, not to harm any individual or group.

Module 3: Starting with AI - Basics and Implementation

Learning objectives of the module

✔ To understand the diverse applications of artificial intelligence tools in adult education, exploring how these technologies enhance learning experiences;

✔ To personalise content and support educators;
✔ To understand step-by-step what is entailed in implementing AI tools in educational settings, following a comprehensive guide, understanding the process from initiation to execution, and evaluating the impact on learning outcomes;
✔ To analyse real-world examples and use cases of integrating AI in educational environments, observing successes, challenges and lessons learned to extract principles applicable in various educational contexts.

Module 4: AI4AL Matching Tool - Project Showcase

Learning objectives of the module

✔ To understand the AI4AL matching tool’s features, interface and functionality, and how to interact with
them.
✔ To understand the matching tool’s essential components needed for effective use, such as input
parameters, matching algorithms, and output interpretation.
✔ To gain hands-on experience with the matching tool, as well as a good understanding of its use in different scenarios and how these relate to the specific needs and goals in Adult Education.

Module 5: Digital Competences for Educators and Citizens

Learning objectives of the module

✔ To provide an overview of key digital competences for citizens and educators based on European Digital Competence Frameworks (DigComp and DigCompEdu)
✔ To introduce tools for self-assessment of digital competences and create a self awareness on the potential knowledge gaps and areas for improvement
✔ To highlight the importance of lifelong learning to keep up with the pace of digital transformation and to provide some resources that can be used for this purpose

Module 6: The AI4AL Scenario Repository

Learning objectives of the module

✔ To understand the goals and the value of the Scenario Repository as a participatory process
✔ To learn how to navigate a wiki to explore the Scenario Repository's content.
✔ To learn how to publish content on a wiki to contribute to the Scenario Repository.