Document Type
Poster
Start Date
6-3-2026 12:30 PM
Description
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes deeply integrated into modern ICT and e-Accessibility services, older adults face a growing "digital divide" often characterised by a lack of awareness regarding how automated AI systems frequently functioning as "black boxes" infiltrate and impact their daily lives. This paper presents a multimodal workshop model designed to foster critical AI literacy among older adults, transitioning them from passive recipients to active stakeholders. Utilising an Action Research framework, the study details the co-creation phase of a three-phase national Age- Friendly AI literacy initiative in Ireland. Central to the methodology is the use of tangible exhibits as pedagogical tools. The ’AI Mask’, a physical embodied conversational agent, is used to demystify AI concepts such as Large Language Models (LLMs), generative AI and machine learning through hands-on interaction. The ’Art or AI?’ exhibit incorporates a public engagement activity where participants learn to distinguish between human-made and AI-generated art, fostering discussion on deepfakes and technological manipulation. Initial results from workshops involving over 250 older adults indicate significant improvements in self-reported understanding of and confidence in discussing AI. By prioritising physical accessi- bility, inclusive design and facilitated peer-to-peer discussions, the study demonstrates that artefact-driven approaches can effectively lower cognitive barriers and enable older populations to critically evaluate the societal and ethical implications of AI thus increasing confidence and AI literacy skills.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21427/V01H-DD56
Included in
Engaging Older Adults through Artefact-Driven Approaches for AI Literacy Development: A Multi Stakeholder for Digital Inclusion
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes deeply integrated into modern ICT and e-Accessibility services, older adults face a growing "digital divide" often characterised by a lack of awareness regarding how automated AI systems frequently functioning as "black boxes" infiltrate and impact their daily lives. This paper presents a multimodal workshop model designed to foster critical AI literacy among older adults, transitioning them from passive recipients to active stakeholders. Utilising an Action Research framework, the study details the co-creation phase of a three-phase national Age- Friendly AI literacy initiative in Ireland. Central to the methodology is the use of tangible exhibits as pedagogical tools. The ’AI Mask’, a physical embodied conversational agent, is used to demystify AI concepts such as Large Language Models (LLMs), generative AI and machine learning through hands-on interaction. The ’Art or AI?’ exhibit incorporates a public engagement activity where participants learn to distinguish between human-made and AI-generated art, fostering discussion on deepfakes and technological manipulation. Initial results from workshops involving over 250 older adults indicate significant improvements in self-reported understanding of and confidence in discussing AI. By prioritising physical accessi- bility, inclusive design and facilitated peer-to-peer discussions, the study demonstrates that artefact-driven approaches can effectively lower cognitive barriers and enable older populations to critically evaluate the societal and ethical implications of AI thus increasing confidence and AI literacy skills.