Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly shaping the discussion about the future of work and society on an international scale. As a result, governments of single countries as well as the European Union (EU) have passed an AI-Strategy. Business leaders have already recognized how fundamentally AI may change the processes of their companies. However, disputes on the topic as well as the proactive shaping of AI has not reached the general public yet. Until now, the seemingly complex phenomenon AI, including its processes as well as chances and implementation of the technology, seem to be reserved for scientists, specialised experts and employers as well as students and companies that have a relation to the topic. Many other groups are not sufficiently informed. Scepticism or even fear towards the impact of AI on everyday lives at home and at work is common. The lack of knowledge about AI’s basic functions, its impact as well as opportunities and risks is a major challenge, despite the fact that AI is already implemented in every-days living and working environments. With the project „AI Curriculum for Adult Education“ (AIAE), a pan-European challenge is being addressed and above mentioned developments are being counteracted. As “Europe needs digitally smart people who are not only able to use but also to innovate and lead in using these technologies. Without it, Europe will not succeed in embracing this digital transformation. The acquisition of new skills is vital to keep pace with technological developments […]” (European Commission (2016): A new skills agenda for Europe, p. 7). With AIAE a curriculum for a basic AI course is being developed, aiming at adults that are employed or seek employment, and has a low threshold regardings its delivery. In order to take part, participants do not need to have any previous experience in the field of AI. Trainers in adult education strengthen their own digital skills and acquire knowledge within the topic of AI. When conducting the courses, they further function as multipliers and support course participants in developing their digital skills and gaining knowledge on the topic. This enables them to participate in public debates as well as shaping the implementation and usage of AI. As part of the project, the following aims are defined, ▪ identify relevant subject areas, ▪ develop appropriate learning goals, ▪ conceptualise the curriculum for every topic, ▪ design the course structure, ▪ develop all teaching materials ▪ and train educational institutions from every member state represented in the project to use the curriculum. The AI curriculum will be published online with a free license and can thus be used by all adult education institutions for further and advanced trainings.
The projects aimed at enabling trainers in adult education to strengthen their own digital skills and acquire knowledge within the topic of AI. They then act as multipliers disseminating the knowledge and skills on AI into the public. In order to do so the project's objective were to make scientific information accessible for employed or employment seeking adults, as well as to process such in a digestible way. Moreover, basic knowledge on functioning, processes, use of AI and its implications can be imparted with the help of the course materials. The course offers an easy access point for anyone interested to understand Ai better, to get a grasp of the connection between AI and everyday life or work, as well as to address fears and concerns of potential participants regarding AI. Pedagogical key objectives of the project were the strengthening of digital competencies, the motivation of participants to attend more further training courses, as well as to use blended learning for digital learning options in a meaningful and supportive way.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a central topic and is being used in almost all economic sectors and beyond. Its application will become even more crucial in most aspects of life in the future. So far, AI has not been mainstreamed into the public life. Thus, public scepticism is high due to lacking knowledge and understanding. With the project „AI Curriculum for Adult Education“ (AIAE), this challenge is being addressed. As Europe needs not only digitally savvy people but also pople who have a basic understanding of AI, its potential and challenges, the AIAE project provides a low threshold entry point for adults interested in the topic. No prior knowledge or experience are needed. The project is specifically designed to provide a training course for employed adults or those seeking employment to enable them to participate in dialogue on AI and to shape the future of AI in our societies. The developed contents provide trainers in adult education with the ability to strengthen their own digital skills and acquire AI knowledge. Enabling trainers is pivotal in bridging the gap between expert groups and those interested and not yet skilled, and to disseminate AI knowledge and AI skills into the public.