AI4AL Erasmus+ project

Innovator: Valentina Brilli - https://www.linkedin.com/company/92468113

Organisation: European Grants International Academy srl, Foligno

Description of the practice:

The AI4AL Erasmus+ project (www.ai4al.eu) addresses critical challenges in the Adult Learning and Education (ALE) sector, particularly the underutilization of AI technologies and the prevalent mistrust among adult educators regarding AI. Despite AI's potential to revolutionize skills assessment and enable tailor-made learning opportunities, the ALE sector has been slow to adopt these innovations. Adult educators often lack the necessary skills and confidence to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. AI4AL seeks to bridge this gap by empowering educators with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to embrace AI in their professional environments.

AI4AL stands out as an innovative practice because it prioritises the direct involvement of educators in the adoption process of AI technologies. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, AI4AL fosters a participatory model where educators contributed to the development and application of AI tools. The AI4AL Matching Tool exemplifies this innovation, using AI to create personalised learning pathways based on learners' skills and needs,. The tool is developed from the ESCO framework and available in EU and extra-EU languages, favouring inclusion. Additionally, the Engagement Kit, which includes a Methodological Guide and an Online Scenarios Repository, offers a unique combination of theoretical frameworks and practical, field-tested examples of the matching tool. This holistic approach ensures that AI integration is both effective and educator-friendly.

In the AI4AL framework, teachers and trainers are not passive recipients of technology but active agents of change. They play a crucial role in the development, testing, and implementation of AI-based solutions. Through the Engagement Kit and training programs, educators learn how to use AI tools to enhance skills assessment, personalise learning experiences, and streamline administrative tasks. The project demystifies AI, positioning educators as central figures in the digital transformation of ALE. Their involvement in creating use scenarios and providing feedback ensures that AI applications remain relevant and practical in real-world educational settings.

The AI4AL project promoted diverse learning activities designed to build educators' AI competencies. These include self-paced online training modules, interactive workshops, and practical exercises using the AI4AL Matching Tool. Educators engaged with real-life scenarios through the Scenarios Repository, enabling them to apply AI concepts in their teaching contexts. The training toolkit supports experiential learning, where educators can explore AI applications, assess learners' skills, and design personalised learning paths. Additionally, collaborative activities encourage knowledge sharing among educators, fostering a community of practice around AI in adult education.

The AI4AL project has a transformative impact on the ALE sector. By equipping educators with AI knowledge and tools, it enhances the quality and efficiency of adult learning provision. Educators report increased confidence in using AI, leading to more accurate skills assessments and customised learning opportunities for adult learners. The automation of repetitive tasks frees up educators' time, allowing them to focus on more meaningful instructional activities. Moreover, the project contributes to the broader digital transformation agenda, promoting the ethical and effective use of AI in education.