AI: A Journey into the Digital Brain

The main goal for the project was to demystify AI and make it accessible for adult learners. We wanted to dispel fear and misinformation about AI by presenting clear, practical, and ethics-based k...

The main goal for the project was to demystify AI and make it accessible for adult learners. We wanted to dispel fear and misinformation about AI by presenting clear, practical, and ethics-based knowledge. Through the combination of a handbook and training, we wanted to develop educational resources that were engaging and free of jargon for those who are not well-versed in technology. The purpose was to give adults the power to understand and interact with AI and use AI both privately and professionally. To multiply the effects among local communities, we trained educators and trainers, so we created a network of trainers knowledgeable on behalf of training adult learners. It increasingly intends to facilitate digital inclusion, foster the spirit of critical thinking, and promote fine use of AI, particularly among marginalized groups and those with digital illiteracy.

Several major activities were developed in the project. An initial kick-off meeting was held in Kraków to align goals, set a timetable, and assign responsibilities. A central output was the writing of the handbook titled AI: The Digital Brain, which gives clear and simple considerations on AI for adult learners. In addition, an interactive online environment was built to host all the materials and serve as a long-term resource. The core training activity was the eight-day international AI Bootcamp in Bulgaria, during which 21 adult educators and adult learners actively engaged in hands-on learning, ethical deliberation, and crafting AI models. To ensure a wider impact, local Multiplier Events were held in all partner countries to disseminate project results and collect feedback from participants. Communication, quality assurance, and dissemination were considered throughout the 12-month duration of the project in all partner countries.

Several key results were made from this project implementation. The main tangible product was a handbook titled "Journey Into the Digital Brain" prepared in four languages that were created for adults with clear and accessible information on AI, its application, and its impact. In conjunction with this, we developed a multilingual e-platform to make all project materials available for free for at least 5 years. An international AI Bootcamp was hosted in Bulgaria, providing 21 adult educators and learners with hands-on experience in building rudimentary AI models, while also addressing questions about ethics and building their own AI. Three Multiplier Events were organized in Bulgaria, Czechia, and Poland, which helped reach the local communities, disseminate project results, and solicit feedback.