Integrating technology in adult education
Are you curious to know how to use Emerging Technologies in adult education? Check out the learning scenarios developed by the ETHLAE project and explore resources and tools!
let's go!
Photo: Canva studio /Pexels
Learning scenarios
Personal, social and learning to learn
Democracy and active engagement
Digital spaces and communities
Literacy and numeracy
Sustainability
Sustainability focuses on responsible use of resources, environmental protection, and social responsibility, empowering individuals and communities to act for a fair, resilient, and future-oriented society.
Personal, social and learning to learn competence is key for personal development, collaboration, managing emotions, and coping with uncertainty and complexity, as well as for further learning and active citizenship
Democracy and active engagement enables adults with low qualifications and basic skills to become proactive members of their communities.
Numeracy and literacy in adult education build essential reading, writing, and practical number skills that empower adults to navigate daily life, work, and lifelong learning.
Digital spaces and communities support learning, connection, and participation by bringing people together in shared online environments.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
All photos: Pexels. All icons: Canva
Literacy and numeracy
Navigating everyday texts
Smart money
Learning scenarios
This scenario focuses on writing and understanding different texts used in everyday communication and work. These texts include e.g. emails, forms, instructions, memos, webpages.Learning objectives
- Understand basic structures of different texts.
- Improve skills in writing texts about everyday and work topics.
- Gain basic knowledge in using AI tools in interpreting and writing texts.
Target group: Adult learners with basic digital and literacy skills.Level: Intermediate Length: 4 x 120 min Mode: In-person
This scenario focuses on managing everyday finances. Learning objectives
- Understand and apply budgeting principles.
- Interpret financial documents (bills, receipts, online forms).
- Develop confidence in using digital tools for financial management.
- Enhance literacy and numeracy skills through practical tasks.
- Introduce ethical AI use in learning contexts.
Target group: Adults with low literacy/numeracy skills, including migrants and digitally excluded individuals.Level: Intermediate Length: 90-120 minMode: In-person
print
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Democracy and active engagement
Digital village
My community, my voice
Learning scenarios
Participants attend a digital information day in their neighbourhood. They bring their own questions and devices. At the event, they receive individual support from digital experts and educators, who are familiar with the use of Emerging Technologies.Learning objectives:
- Promote of democratic discourse, digital participation, self-efficacy and empowerment
- Strengthen security awareness: Recognition of risks (e.g. downloads, data protection, fake news).
Target group: People with limited digital skills and people who are uncertain about using digital technologies and AI. Level: AdvancedLength: 3 x 60 minMode: In-person
This learning scenario builds civic understanding, practical participation skills, and confidence to act on local issues. Learning objectives:
- Civic Understanding: Understand personal rights and responsibilities.
- Active Participation: Gain practical skills to engage in local civic life.
- Empowerment: Build confidence to identify and address community issues.
Target group: Adults who want to expand their knowledge of democracy, politics and social structures. Level: EasyLength: 3 x 90 min Mode: In-person
print
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Democracy and active engagement
Digital village
Democratic education online
Learning scenarios
Participants attend a digital information day in their neighbourhood. They bring their own questions and devices. At the event, they receive individual support from digital experts and educators, who are familiar with the use of Emerging Technologies.Learning objectives:
- Promote of democratic discourse, digital participation, self-efficacy and empowerment
- Strengthen security awareness: Recognition of risks (e.g. downloads, data protection, fake news).
Target group: People with limited digital skills and people who are uncertain about using digital technologies and AI. Level: AdvancedLength: 3 x 60 minMode: In-person
DeMOOC is a free online course on democratic education for adults. The course takes place on iMooX platform.Learning objectives:
- Build basic knowledge on democracy, political processes, fundamental rights, media literacy & Emerging Technologies
- Enable recognition of opportunities for action in the political system
- Promote critical thinking and strenghten participation
Target group: Adults who want to expand their knowledge of democracy, politics and social structures. Level: EasyLength: 7 x 60 min Mode: online
print
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Sustainability
Energy aware at home
Sustainability on a plate
Learning scenarios
This scenario helps adult learners explore how everyday food choices affect carbon footprint, water footprint, and food waste. Participants learn to make informed, sustainable meal decisions. Learning objectives:
- Use an online carbon footprint calculator to compare common foods.
- Design a realistic, affordable 7-day meal plan that reduces environmental impact.
Target group: Adult learners with basic digital skills. Suitable for beginners in sustainability and technology.Level: EasyLength: 2 x 90 minMode: Both online and in-person
This learning scenario introduces adult learners to the impact of household electricity consumption and demonstrates how AI tools can support cost estimation, energy awareness, and waste reduction.Learning objectives:
- Identify energy use of common appliances.
- Use AI tools to estimate costs and spot high-consumption devices.
- Interpret data and create a personalised energy-saving plan.
Target group: Adult learners with basic digital skills. Suitable for beginners in sustainability and technology. Level: Easy Length: 2 x 60 minMode: Both online and in-person
print
read
read
print
All icons: Canva
Digital spaces and communities
Digital spaces, human connections
Finding your place in digital communities
Learning scenarios
Building inclusive digital participation skills for adults in vulnerable life circumstances.Learning objectives:
- Utilise simple digital tools to engage with an online community.
- Identify personal strengths that support participation in digital environments.
- Co-create a simple concept for an inclusive online community
- Experience how AI tools can assist with communication tasks.
Target group: Adults with low digital competence / socioeconomically disadvantaged / long-term unemployedLevel: IntermediateLength: 90 min or 2 x 45 minMode: Online (can be adapted to in-person learning)
Recognise how online communities mirror and differ from offline communities, making informed choices about joining online communities.Learning objectives:
- Identify three major types of online community platforms and what they offer
- Evaluate online safety, learn how to protect personal data and privacy
- Navigate the basic features of Facebook Groups, Reddit, or WhatsApp groups
- Know rights to stay offline
Target group: Adults with limited experience with online communities but want to understand their options Level: IntermediateLength: 120-180 minMode: In-person (can be adapted to online learning)
print
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Personal, social and learning to learn
Picture this
My object, my story
Learning scenarios
This scenario focuses on developing social competences of the learners, linking to the social area of the LifeComp framework. The scenario uses art as a topic of discussion and reflection. Learning objectives:
- Listen effectively and engage in conversations with confidence and reciprocity
- Collaborate in group activities
- Recognise and understand emotions in themselves and others
Target group: Adult learners with basic literacy and digital skills Level: EasyLength: 2-4 hoursMode: In-person
This scenario focuses on developing social competences of the learners, linking to the social area of the LifeComp framework. The learners present their chosen object to others, and practice using digital tools in presenting their stories.Learning objectives:
- Share personal stories with clarity and confidence
- Collaborate in creating collective digital narratives
- Recognise and express emotions related to memories and experiences
- Use digital storytelling and communication tools
Target group: Adult learners with basic literacy and digital skills, especially seniorsLevel: EasyLength: 2-3 hoursMode: In-person
print
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Resources
Do you want to know more about Emerging Technologies and create your own learning scenarios? Explore the ETHLAE resource collection! The collection brings together a wide range of tools, articles, publications, videos, and courses showcasing different Emerging Technologies and their use in education contexts. You will also find links to webpages on safe and ethical use of Emerging Technologies, such as AI, in education.
To the resource page
Photo: Pexels
How to use the toolkit
This toolkit is aimed at educators who are looking for inspiration on using Emerging Technologies in adult education.
How to use the scenarios? The levels of the scenarios What do we mean by holistic literacy? Why are we using Emerging Technologies? What are Emerging Techologies? What are the goals of the ETHLAE project? How about the ethical and legal aspects of using Emerging Technologies?
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Photo: Pexels
Resources
To the resource page
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Hi, I am Anna, an avatar made using Heygen AI tool. Watch this video where I introduce the toolkit!
What are Emerging Technologies?
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
AI-powered personalised learning platforms adapt to individual learning styles and needs.
AI-driven chatbots and virtual tutors Automated assessment tools speed up feedback and grading.
2. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and XR - a mix of AR and VR VR creates immersive learning environments (e.g., virtual labs, historical site visits).
AR overlays digital information onto real-world settings 3. Adaptive Learning Platforms
Data-driven platforms adjust content difficulty based on learner progress, for example AI-powered learning management systems (LMS) that offer dynamic learning paths. 4. Gamification & Game-Based Learning
Integrating game mechanics into courses increases engagement and motivation.
5. Microlearning & Mobile Learning Bite-sized learning modules fit into busy schedules. 6. Blockchain for Credentialing & Digital Badges Secure, verifiable digital certificates Enable lifelong learners to build a portfolio of skills across multiple platforms.
7. Learning Analytics & Big Data
Institutions and organisations use learning analytics to track progress and improve courses.
8. Collaborative & Social Learning Platforms
Online communities, discussion forums, and peer-to-peer learning tools enhance engagement.
Examples include social learning platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and AI-enhanced collaborative tools. 9. Voice & Speech Recognition
AI-powered voice assistants and voice-to-text and speech recognition tools help learners with disabilities or language learners.
Why are we using Emerging Technologies?
Emerging technologies offer significant potential to support learner-centred, inclusive, and flexible approaches to adult learning. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital platforms, gamified and interactive tools can expand access to education and personalise learning.
How about ethical and legal aspects?
Ethical and legal aspects are important to consider when using Emerging Technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational contexts. Before using AI tools, educator should get familiar with ethical and legal aspects. We have assembled some informative publications and articles about these topics in our resource collection.
What are the levels of the scenarios?
We have assigned a level of difficulty to each scenario, based on how much effort or prior knowledge it takes from the educator to complete. Note that the levels don't refer to difficulty from learner perspective. The 3 levels are easy intermediate advanced
Hi, I am Anna, an avatar made using Heygen AI tool. Watch this video where I introduce the toolkit!
What are the goals of the ETHLAE project?
- Support systemic change for ALE organisations in embedding technologies in the delivery of literacy programmes for adults.
- Identify and analyse good practices and methods for embedding emerging technologies in ALE literacy programmes in a meaningful way.
- Adapt existing holistic literacy and life skills programme learning scenarios to meaningful embed emerging technologies, considering the specific needs of ALE organisations and adults in vulnerable situations.
- Develop and run a capacity-building programme involving ALE learning designers, educators and learners and to support the views of both technological experts and ALE literacy experts.
- Test of ETHLAE Toolbox and pilot the new learning scenario in at least 5 countries and with European communities of educators, with different audiences and contexts, in order to support mainstreaming and potential exploitation
Read more about the project
What do we mean by holistic literacy?
The concept of holistic literacy encompasses not only basic skills (literacy, numeracy, digital) but also personal, social and learning to learn competence, and other lifelong learning competences such as financial literacy, health and environmental skills, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression.
ETHLAE methodological framework
How to use the learning scenarios?
On the toolkit pages, you’ll first see a scenario card with a short description of the learning scenario (name, target group, level, objectives). You can open the full scenario by clicking the links "Read" and you can easily print it by clicking "Print".The educators can use the scenarios as an inspiration and modify them to their own contexts and purposes.
Integrating technology in adult education
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Transcript
Integrating technology in adult education
Are you curious to know how to use Emerging Technologies in adult education? Check out the learning scenarios developed by the ETHLAE project and explore resources and tools!
let's go!
Photo: Canva studio /Pexels
Learning scenarios
Personal, social and learning to learn
Democracy and active engagement
Digital spaces and communities
Literacy and numeracy
Sustainability
Sustainability focuses on responsible use of resources, environmental protection, and social responsibility, empowering individuals and communities to act for a fair, resilient, and future-oriented society.
Personal, social and learning to learn competence is key for personal development, collaboration, managing emotions, and coping with uncertainty and complexity, as well as for further learning and active citizenship
Democracy and active engagement enables adults with low qualifications and basic skills to become proactive members of their communities.
Numeracy and literacy in adult education build essential reading, writing, and practical number skills that empower adults to navigate daily life, work, and lifelong learning.
Digital spaces and communities support learning, connection, and participation by bringing people together in shared online environments.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
All photos: Pexels. All icons: Canva
Literacy and numeracy
Navigating everyday texts
Smart money
Learning scenarios
This scenario focuses on writing and understanding different texts used in everyday communication and work. These texts include e.g. emails, forms, instructions, memos, webpages.Learning objectives
- Understand basic structures of different texts.
- Improve skills in writing texts about everyday and work topics.
- Gain basic knowledge in using AI tools in interpreting and writing texts.
Target group: Adult learners with basic digital and literacy skills.Level: Intermediate Length: 4 x 120 min Mode: In-personThis scenario focuses on managing everyday finances. Learning objectives
- Understand and apply budgeting principles.
- Interpret financial documents (bills, receipts, online forms).
- Develop confidence in using digital tools for financial management.
- Enhance literacy and numeracy skills through practical tasks.
- Introduce ethical AI use in learning contexts.
Target group: Adults with low literacy/numeracy skills, including migrants and digitally excluded individuals.Level: Intermediate Length: 90-120 minMode: In-personprint
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Democracy and active engagement
Digital village
My community, my voice
Learning scenarios
Participants attend a digital information day in their neighbourhood. They bring their own questions and devices. At the event, they receive individual support from digital experts and educators, who are familiar with the use of Emerging Technologies.Learning objectives:
- Strengthen security awareness: Recognition of risks (e.g. downloads, data protection, fake news).
Target group: People with limited digital skills and people who are uncertain about using digital technologies and AI. Level: AdvancedLength: 3 x 60 minMode: In-personThis learning scenario builds civic understanding, practical participation skills, and confidence to act on local issues. Learning objectives:
- Civic Understanding: Understand personal rights and responsibilities.
- Active Participation: Gain practical skills to engage in local civic life.
- Empowerment: Build confidence to identify and address community issues.
Target group: Adults who want to expand their knowledge of democracy, politics and social structures. Level: EasyLength: 3 x 90 min Mode: In-personprint
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Democracy and active engagement
Digital village
Democratic education online
Learning scenarios
Participants attend a digital information day in their neighbourhood. They bring their own questions and devices. At the event, they receive individual support from digital experts and educators, who are familiar with the use of Emerging Technologies.Learning objectives:
- Strengthen security awareness: Recognition of risks (e.g. downloads, data protection, fake news).
Target group: People with limited digital skills and people who are uncertain about using digital technologies and AI. Level: AdvancedLength: 3 x 60 minMode: In-personDeMOOC is a free online course on democratic education for adults. The course takes place on iMooX platform.Learning objectives:
- Build basic knowledge on democracy, political processes, fundamental rights, media literacy & Emerging Technologies
- Enable recognition of opportunities for action in the political system
- Promote critical thinking and strenghten participation
Target group: Adults who want to expand their knowledge of democracy, politics and social structures. Level: EasyLength: 7 x 60 min Mode: onlineprint
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Sustainability
Energy aware at home
Sustainability on a plate
Learning scenarios
This scenario helps adult learners explore how everyday food choices affect carbon footprint, water footprint, and food waste. Participants learn to make informed, sustainable meal decisions. Learning objectives:
- Use an online carbon footprint calculator to compare common foods.
- Design a realistic, affordable 7-day meal plan that reduces environmental impact.
Target group: Adult learners with basic digital skills. Suitable for beginners in sustainability and technology.Level: EasyLength: 2 x 90 minMode: Both online and in-personThis learning scenario introduces adult learners to the impact of household electricity consumption and demonstrates how AI tools can support cost estimation, energy awareness, and waste reduction.Learning objectives:
- Interpret data and create a personalised energy-saving plan.
Target group: Adult learners with basic digital skills. Suitable for beginners in sustainability and technology. Level: Easy Length: 2 x 60 minMode: Both online and in-personprint
read
read
print
All icons: Canva
Digital spaces and communities
Digital spaces, human connections
Finding your place in digital communities
Learning scenarios
Building inclusive digital participation skills for adults in vulnerable life circumstances.Learning objectives:
- Experience how AI tools can assist with communication tasks.
Target group: Adults with low digital competence / socioeconomically disadvantaged / long-term unemployedLevel: IntermediateLength: 90 min or 2 x 45 minMode: Online (can be adapted to in-person learning)Recognise how online communities mirror and differ from offline communities, making informed choices about joining online communities.Learning objectives:
- Navigate the basic features of Facebook Groups, Reddit, or WhatsApp groups
- Know rights to stay offline
Target group: Adults with limited experience with online communities but want to understand their options Level: IntermediateLength: 120-180 minMode: In-person (can be adapted to online learning)print
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Personal, social and learning to learn
Picture this
My object, my story
Learning scenarios
This scenario focuses on developing social competences of the learners, linking to the social area of the LifeComp framework. The scenario uses art as a topic of discussion and reflection. Learning objectives:
- Listen effectively and engage in conversations with confidence and reciprocity
- Collaborate in group activities
- Recognise and understand emotions in themselves and others
Target group: Adult learners with basic literacy and digital skills Level: EasyLength: 2-4 hoursMode: In-personThis scenario focuses on developing social competences of the learners, linking to the social area of the LifeComp framework. The learners present their chosen object to others, and practice using digital tools in presenting their stories.Learning objectives:
- Share personal stories with clarity and confidence
- Collaborate in creating collective digital narratives
- Recognise and express emotions related to memories and experiences
- Use digital storytelling and communication tools
Target group: Adult learners with basic literacy and digital skills, especially seniorsLevel: EasyLength: 2-3 hoursMode: In-personprint
read
print
read
All icons: Canva
Resources
Do you want to know more about Emerging Technologies and create your own learning scenarios? Explore the ETHLAE resource collection! The collection brings together a wide range of tools, articles, publications, videos, and courses showcasing different Emerging Technologies and their use in education contexts. You will also find links to webpages on safe and ethical use of Emerging Technologies, such as AI, in education.
To the resource page
Photo: Pexels
How to use the toolkit
This toolkit is aimed at educators who are looking for inspiration on using Emerging Technologies in adult education.
How to use the scenarios? The levels of the scenarios What do we mean by holistic literacy? Why are we using Emerging Technologies? What are Emerging Techologies? What are the goals of the ETHLAE project? How about the ethical and legal aspects of using Emerging Technologies?
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Photo: Pexels
Resources
To the resource page
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Hi, I am Anna, an avatar made using Heygen AI tool. Watch this video where I introduce the toolkit!
What are Emerging Technologies?
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning AI-powered personalised learning platforms adapt to individual learning styles and needs. AI-driven chatbots and virtual tutors Automated assessment tools speed up feedback and grading. 2. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and XR - a mix of AR and VR VR creates immersive learning environments (e.g., virtual labs, historical site visits). AR overlays digital information onto real-world settings 3. Adaptive Learning Platforms Data-driven platforms adjust content difficulty based on learner progress, for example AI-powered learning management systems (LMS) that offer dynamic learning paths. 4. Gamification & Game-Based Learning Integrating game mechanics into courses increases engagement and motivation.
5. Microlearning & Mobile Learning Bite-sized learning modules fit into busy schedules. 6. Blockchain for Credentialing & Digital Badges Secure, verifiable digital certificates Enable lifelong learners to build a portfolio of skills across multiple platforms. 7. Learning Analytics & Big Data Institutions and organisations use learning analytics to track progress and improve courses. 8. Collaborative & Social Learning Platforms Online communities, discussion forums, and peer-to-peer learning tools enhance engagement. Examples include social learning platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and AI-enhanced collaborative tools. 9. Voice & Speech Recognition AI-powered voice assistants and voice-to-text and speech recognition tools help learners with disabilities or language learners.
Why are we using Emerging Technologies?
Emerging technologies offer significant potential to support learner-centred, inclusive, and flexible approaches to adult learning. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital platforms, gamified and interactive tools can expand access to education and personalise learning.
How about ethical and legal aspects?
Ethical and legal aspects are important to consider when using Emerging Technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational contexts. Before using AI tools, educator should get familiar with ethical and legal aspects. We have assembled some informative publications and articles about these topics in our resource collection.
What are the levels of the scenarios?
We have assigned a level of difficulty to each scenario, based on how much effort or prior knowledge it takes from the educator to complete. Note that the levels don't refer to difficulty from learner perspective. The 3 levels are easy intermediate advanced
Hi, I am Anna, an avatar made using Heygen AI tool. Watch this video where I introduce the toolkit!
What are the goals of the ETHLAE project?
Read more about the project
What do we mean by holistic literacy?
The concept of holistic literacy encompasses not only basic skills (literacy, numeracy, digital) but also personal, social and learning to learn competence, and other lifelong learning competences such as financial literacy, health and environmental skills, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression.
ETHLAE methodological framework
How to use the learning scenarios?
On the toolkit pages, you’ll first see a scenario card with a short description of the learning scenario (name, target group, level, objectives). You can open the full scenario by clicking the links "Read" and you can easily print it by clicking "Print".The educators can use the scenarios as an inspiration and modify them to their own contexts and purposes.