How can people with intellectual disabilities develop practical skills for employment? This is one of the key questions behind the EN-AI-BLE project.
EN-AI-BLE is an Erasmus+ project that helps people with intellectual disabilities develop practical skills for employment. Partners from across Europe are combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) with accessible digital learning to make training more inclusive and better prepare learners for the workplace.
One of the main results of EN-AI-BLE will be an AI-supported digital learning platform. The platform is currently being developed and will offer accessible training in electronics.
But it will be more than a place to find online training material. It will bring together learning activities, practical training, AI tools and support for educators.
Learning for learners and educators
The platform will have two learning paths.
One will be for people with intellectual disabilities. Learning material will use simple language, short learning units, images and audio. Learners will also be able to take part in interactive activities, quizzes and practical exercises.
The second path will be for educators and trainers. They will find lesson plans, useful guidance and other resources to help them support learners. A dashboard will also help educators follow each learner’s progress and identify where extra support may be useful.
Learning practical skills
Online learning will be combined with practical sessions with an educator.
The training will focus on useful skills for working in electronics. Learners will explore topics such as working safely, understanding electronic components, assembly and soldering, finding and repairing faults, and preparing for the workplace.
This combination will allow learners to study at their own pace and then practise what they have learned with support from an educator.
How will AI help?
AI will be used to support each learner’s learning experience.
An AI self-assessment tool will help learners check their progress, receive feedback and get learning recommendations based on their needs.
The platform will also include an AI-enhanced gamified learning tool. It will make learning more interactive and engaging through game-based activities.
AI will not replace educators. It will give them another way to support learners and respond to their different needs.
Designed to be accessible
Accessibility is an important part of the platform.
The learning material will use simple language, images and audio. Other features will include adjustable text size and contrast, keyboard navigation and screen-reader support.
Learning will also be divided into short and manageable parts. Learners will be able to repeat activities and progress at their own pace.
What happens next?
The EN-AI-BLE partners are currently developing the platform and its training material. Once ready, it will be tested with learners and educators.
The goal is simple: to use technology and accessible training to help people with intellectual disabilities develop practical skills and take steps towards employment.
Stay tuned as the EN-AI-BLE platform takes shape!