Empowering educators with AI: The ALFA Labs project

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education. While the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning is significant, there is a growing need for guidance and support for educators to navigate this complex landscape (Riley & Bruno 2024).

The ALFA Labs project aims to bridge this gap by developing and testing AI tools specifically designed to be accessible and assistive for teachers in higher education.

Addressing the need for digital transformation

Recognizing the need for a strategic and human-centric approach to AI integration, ALFA Labs develops a comprehensive Digital Transformation Plan (DTP) through the collaboration of four Higher Education Institutes in Europe through the Ulysseus European University Alliance. The plan will serve as a roadmap for higher education institutions (HEIs) across Europe, guiding them in managing the effective shift towards digital education with a specific focus on AI. Importantly, the DTP will address crucial aspects such as:

• Ethical and privacy concerns are at the forefront in the development of AI actions. ALFA Labs will draw upon existing guidelines, including the EU AI Act (European Parliament 2023) and the UNESCO’s Beijing Consensus on AI and Education (UNESCO 2019) to ensure ethical considerations are central to the DTP. This will help HEIs navigate the complexities of data privacy, bias mitigation, and responsible AI implementation.
• AI-Driven digital competencies that are relevant in the real world are tested through a series of virtual and physical living lab learning environments. The testing environments provide the essential digital skills and competencies required for educators to effectively utilize AI in their teaching practices. This involves identifying and addressing any existing skills gaps through targeted training and professional development initiatives.
• Systemic, institutional and cultural transformations require a long-term vision accompanied by applied actions to foster change. ALFA Labs acknowledges that successful AI integration requires a holistic approach that goes beyond individual skill development. The DTP addresses the need for systemic, institutional, and cultural changes within HEIs to support the widespread adoption and effective use of AI.

Fostering collaboration and practical application

A cornerstone of the ALFA Labs project is its commitment to a collaborative and hands-on approach in line with the cross disciplinary goals of Ulysseus and Erasmus+. The project involves co-design and co-creation groups consisting of HEI leaders, experts, staff, and students.  This participatory approach ensures that the DTP and associated resources are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of diverse HEIs and their learning communities. 

To further promote practical application and skill development, ALFA Labs will host a series of living labs, both virtual and physical. Living labs, environments where innovations are tested in real-world settings with active user participation, emerge as a valuable approach for assessing and refining AI tools for education (Compagnucci et al. 2021).

The living labs are undertaken as part of the operations of each Ulysseus’ partners innovation hub structure and will utilise the innovation ecosystem that exists within the Ulysseus Innovation hub network. In the ALFA Labs project we use living labs to test and refine the Digital Transformation Plan (DTP), a roadmap for HEIs to adopt AI in a human-centric way.

The living labs provide valuable opportunities for teachers and students to test AI tools in real-world settings and ensure participants will gain hands-on experience using AI-powered educational technologies, exploring their capabilities and limitations in authentic learning environments.

In addition, the living labs will develop assistive and accessible learning methods by focusing on use of AI as a pedagogical tool to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in education. This will involve exploring AI-powered tools for personalized learning, adaptive assessments, or support for students with diverse learning needs.
A key component is the overall opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the DTP. The living labs will serve as testing grounds for the DTP, providing feedback and insights to refine and improve the plan’s implementation guidelines.

Building capacity and sharing best practices

ALFA Labs recognizes the importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building to ensure the long-term impact of the project. With this in mind the key outcomes of the project will foster true impact in HEIs related to the use of AI as an accessible and assistive learning technology.

• The ALFA Kit: This resource provides practical guidance on hosting and testing applied AI in HEI learning environments. The kit includes lesson plans, best practices, and resources specifically designed to support teachers in using AI as an accessible and assistive tool.
• The HEI Assessment index tool and AI readiness scale: It enables HEIs to assess their current level of AI maturity and identify areas for improvement. The index provides valuable insights to guide institutions in their digital transformation journeys and ensure they are adequately prepared for AI integration.
• The 3 ECTS MOOC: Hosted on the Ulysseus MOOC Moodle platform and based on the use of AI as an assistive and accessible learning technology, this course will provide teachers with in-depth training on the pedagogical applications of AI, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively in their classrooms.

Ensuring sustainability and wider impact

ALFA Labs is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes and maximizing its impact beyond the partner consortium. The project will develop a sustainability plan that outlines strategies for integrating project results into the long-term operations of partner institutions and the broader Ulysseus network. ALFA Labs will actively promote its results and resources through various channels, including the Ulysseus website, the EPALE platform, and social media. All materials will be openly accessible as Open Educational Resources (OER) to encourage wider adoption and adaptation.

Partner HEIs will explore opportunities to integrate the ALFA Kit and MOOC into their existing course offerings and the Ulysseus Alliance. This ensures the project’s outputs continuing benefit to teachers and students beyond the project’s lifespan.

By equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively leverage AI, ALFA Labs is paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and engaging learning experience for all students. The project’s commitment to a human-centric approach, collaboration, and practical application will ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically to enhance teaching and learning in higher education.

Picture: Haaga-Helia/ Tekoäly