Modular workshop programme will engage Transition Year students in a series of public engagement workshops exploring digital privacy, ethical behaviour and AI career paths.
Dublin, May 30th, 2022: A major programme of public engagement in support of assisting Transition Year students’ understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been launched. Run by the SFI ADAPT Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, the workshop series titled AI in My Life will engage over 1,500 students across Ireland with the aim of helping them navigate Artificial Intelligence (AI) successfully. The initiative is supported by Science Foundation Ireland and forms part of the ADAPT Centre’s Discuss AI programme.
Speaking about the workshops, Director of the ADAPT Centre, Professor Vinny Wade, said: “AI is one of the most transformative innovations of our times. While AI offers substantial benefits to individuals and society, it has major implications for privacy, ethics and security. The ADAPT Centre’s modular workshop programme will help inform participants so they can navigate the Age of AI successfully and safely.”
Built by ADAPT researchers, AI in My Life brings together a range of partners including DCU Access, the SFI Lero Research Centre and Future of Privacy Forum along with new partners in AWS In Communities, Midlands Science, National Anti-Bullying Centre, Trinity Access Service, Maynooth University and Mary Immaculate College. The workshops will help to explain complex ideas and assist participants understand the opportunities and pitfalls of AI.
Through interactive workshops, participants will::
The content for the workshops has been co-created with teachers and Transition Year students to ensure the topics and content resonate and participants will engage with peers and assist researchers in understanding what aspects of AI are of most importance and interest to them.
Commenting on the initiative, Laura Grehan, Head of Education and Public Engagement ADAPT said: “AI in My Life will play a key role in supporting teens to better understand Artificial Intelligence and how it can impact their lives, supporting them with their digital choices in the future. Through a series of interactive, thought-provoking resources, students will explore how research can ensure that AI is inclusive of everyone. We are looking forward to an exciting and creative series of workshops across Ireland.”
AI in My Life will run nationally from the start of the new school year in September 2022 and expressions of interest are currently open. The programme is funded by SFI Discover and is free to schools. The teacher-led workshops are modular, meaning that schools can fit the content to the time they have available. Teachers do not need any existing knowledge of AI, as ADAPT will run ‘train-the-trainer’ workshops and offer on-going support to teachers. Interested teachers or schools can email [email protected] for more information. (https://www.adaptcentre.ie/projects/ai-in-my-life/)
The Project Team consisted of:
