Adapt centre marks International Literacy Day with focus on digital skills
Life
Dr Emma Clarke, Adapt
Age-Friendly AI, a national initiative led by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland Adapt Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, is marking International Literacy Day by partnering with libraries across Ireland on a postcard campaign capturing the thoughts of older adults about AI.
The campaign will place specially designed display boxes and freepost postcards in public libraries, inviting library users to share their hopes, concerns and ideas for making AI more age-friendly. Anonymous contributions will also be gathered online using the ‘share your thoughts’ form on the Age-Friendly AI website. Opinions from all sources will be compiled in a publicly accessible database to help inform and guide the development of ethical and inclusive AI in Ireland.
“Understanding and participating in the digital world should be accessible to everyone,” said Dr Emma Clarke, from the Adapt Centre and the Age-Friendly AI initiative (pictured). “By launching this campaign on International Literacy Day, we are highlighting that the ability to use, understand and discuss technology like AI is a key skill for the digital era. Libraries are trusted community hubs, and this partnership is key when it comes to ensuring the voices of older adults are not just heard, but are at the forefront of the conversation about the future of AI.”
The campaign’s focus is to move beyond providing training, and instead, to actively listen to the experiences of older adults, making their insights central to how technology is designed.
Skills for life coordinator at the Local Government Management Agency Dara McIntyre said: “Libraries play a vital role in helping people build the skills and knowledge they need for everyday life. Supporting the Age-Friendly AI campaign gives older adults the chance to share their views on technology in a trusted and welcoming space, empowering them with the confidence and digital literacy to thrive in today’s world.”
The postcards ask three key questions:
- What are your hopes for AI?
- What are your biggest concerns about AI?
- What ideas do you have for making AI more age friendly?
Contributions to the AI Opinions campaign are anonymous, and all data will be handled in full compliance with GDPR. The freepost campaign will run in Libraries nationwide until the end of 2025
The AI Opinions campaign is part of the Adapt Centre’s #DiscussAI programme, which has already engaged 80,000 people across Ireland.
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