Summary of "Webinar: ‘From chalkboards to chatbots: Educating adults in the AI era'"

Summary of the Webinar: ‘From chalkboards to chatbots: Educating adults in the AI era’

This UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) webinar addresses the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on adult education and lifelong learning. It explores current trends, challenges, and opportunities in integrating AI responsibly and inclusively into adult education systems worldwide. The session also launches a new self-learning course titled Digital Empowerment for Adult Educators in the Age of AI and Other Emerging Technologies, developed with Shanghai Open University.

AI reshapes adult education and lifelong learning by enabling new teaching, learning, and connection methods.
Challenges include environmental impact (AI data centers produce significant greenhouse gas emissions), digital divides, misinformation, and ethical concerns.
A significant portion of the global population remains offline or lacks basic digital skills, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups (older adults, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities).
Critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical AI use are essential skills for learners and educators.
Lifelong learning is a human right and public good, which must include digital inclusion and critical AI literacy.

Champion Inclusion: Center marginalized groups, advocate for open-source tools and public digital infrastructure.
Build Digital Resilience: Invest in digital literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking skills.
Promote Sustainability: Ensure digital transformation minimizes environmental impact.
Lead on Ethics: AI systems in education should be transparent, fair, and accountable.
Empower Educators: Adult educators are agents of change and require ongoing professional development in digital competencies.

Topic: AI conversational agents, generative AI, and implications for adult education and research

Benefits of AI tools:
- Enhance accessibility and learner engagement.
- Personalize learning, especially for adults with special needs.
- Support skills development, feedback, and administrative efficiency.
- Facilitate critical reflection when used appropriately.
Risks and limitations:
- Inaccuracy and bias in AI-generated information.
- Lack of emotional and communicative nuance.
- Potential reduction in critical thinking due to overreliance.
- Ethical concerns including plagiarism, cheating, data protection, and security.
- Risk of overtrusting AI without understanding its limitations.
AI Literacy and Capabilities:
- Competencies to critically evaluate, communicate, and collaborate with AI.
- Technology-related, work-related, human-machine interaction, and learning-related capabilities.
AI in Research:
- AI can assist with literature reviews, methodology design, collaboration, and drafting.
- Researchers must maintain academic rigor and not delegate judgment to AI.
Regulation: The EU AI Act emphasizes AI literacy for informed decision-making.
Key takeaway: AI tools are just tools; their impact depends on how they are used.

Topic: Inclusive adult learning in the AI era – confronting inequality and empowering marginalized learners

Adult learning is experiential and practical, requiring AI to personalize learning based on learners’ current levels and cultural contexts.
Challenges include digital divides, lack of devices, internet connectivity, and digital skills.
Solutions:
- Invest in digital tools (smartphones, subsidized networks).
- Community-driven support and digital skills training.
- Use AI tools that explain and question information rather than just generate answers.
Overdependence on AI can weaken critical and analytical skills, problem-solving, and questioning techniques.
Ethical and responsible AI use is critical to avoid reinforcing inequalities or creating new forms of digital colonialism.
Key takeaway: AI should be used responsibly and ethically, with a focus on empowering marginalized learners through inclusion and critical engagement.

Topic: Responsible AI in education – embedding safety, ethics, and inclusivity

AI education must focus on what AI should do, not just what it can do.
Responsible AI UK is a multidisciplinary research program focusing on trustworthy AI and skills development.
Adult education is crucial for AI transitions, especially through work-based training and free online learning.
There is a gap in quality, trustworthy AI education resources for adults.
Digital empowerment goes beyond literacy; it involves enabling learners to critically reflect on AI’s societal impacts.
Examples of successful projects:
- Reflexive AI education through art and self-reflection.
- AI clubs for young refugees balancing AI learning with social support.
- Maritime AI training offering new roles for women through remote and simulated learning.
Educators often feel overwhelmed and underprepared to teach AI-related content.