On September 22–26, 2025, the partners of the project “GENIE: Generative AI for Inclusive Education and Empowerment” visited the Oak Grove Library in Kaunas. Specialists from Lithuania, Estonia, Italy, and Slovenia gathered to share knowledge and experiences during a week-long session dedicated to testing and refining the project’s methodological materials.
The project, which began in late 2024 with partner meetings and discussions, has gained significant momentum this year. After conducting thorough research on the target audience, the project partners worked intensively until autumn to prepare training materials designed to help educators and learners understand and apply artificial intelligence solutions in educational processes as well as in everyday and professional contexts.
The development of methodological materials was not limited to remote collaboration – the importance of practical testing was emphasized. For this reason, a training session was held at the Oak Grove Library at the end of September. During the session, each partner presented their prepared training content divided into thematic modules. The specialists conducted trial sessions for one another, taking on the roles of educators, sharing insights, experimenting with non-traditional teaching methods, and providing suggestions for improving the content.
Nemunė Stonkienė, senior methodologist at the Oak Grove Library, shared her reflections on the training:
Testing the training materials became not only a unique experience full of emotions and discoveries but also a kind of reality check. Not everything works perfectly the first time – improvement comes through experimentation. By trying out both sides – as lecturers presenting their own materials and as participants actively testing them – we experienced the real atmosphere of the upcoming training sessions.
Our experience will be essential for refining the materials, structure, and delivery methods to ensure maximum benefit for the target audience.
When partners meet to share ideas and work toward a common goal – when training and material testing are based on collaboration, human connection, and empathy – it lays the foundation for innovation in non-formal adult education.
The training week also revealed a need for certain adjustments – some topics proved to be more sensitive than expected, requiring a more careful approach, especially when addressing potential risks. For instance, special attention was given to the use of generative AI in providing wellness-related advice, where responsible handling of information and clear communication of risks are particularly important.
With the beginning of October dedicated to final refinements and adjustments, the first open training sessions for the public are expected to take place soon – more information about them will be announced shortly.
Project partners: Robotikos mokykla (Lithuania), Eesti Vabaharidusliit (Tallinn, Estonia), ISTITUTO FORMAZIONE OPERATORI AZIENDALI (IFOA) (Reggio Emilia, Italy), STEP Institute (Ljubljana, Slovenia).
The project “GENIE: Generative AI for Inclusive Education and Empowerment” is co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the National Agency can be held responsible for them.
