In November 2024, the University of Economics in Katowice launched the three-year SILWERS (Seniors Artificial Intelligence Learning – Well Educated and Risk Secure) project, funded under the Erasmus+ KA220-ADU programme – Cooperation partnerships in adult education. The project is being carried out as part of an international partnership involving four institutions, led by HASKOLINN A AKUREYRI (Iceland). The other partners are: the University of Economics in Katowice, Social Cooperative Enterprise Drosostalida (Greece), Vzdelavaci centrum Hello s.r.o. (Czech Republic) and TSecurity ehf (Iceland).
The main objective of the project is to develop older people’s skills in the field of artificial intelligence, taking into account educational issues and aspects of digital security. The project addresses the growing challenges associated with digitalisation and artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of digital inclusion and protection against cyber threats.
The SILWERS project was created to introduce older people to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and to raise their awareness of cybersecurity. The aim of this initiative is to equip older people with the knowledge and skills necessary to use digital technologies safely and responsibly, whilst taking into account their specific needs and limitations. The project focuses on education in the field of AI, developing digital skills and preventing digital exclusion by raising awareness of the risks associated with cyberspace. The project takes into account the unique needs of older people by providing educators with high-quality materials that can be used flexibly both within University of the Third Age courses and in other educational programmes dedicated to older people.
The project comprises three key stages: analysing the educational needs of older people in the areas of AI and cybersecurity, developing innovative educational content, and creating an online platform for educators. Thanks to this tool, teachers and those working with older people will be able to make use of clearly defined learning pathways and ready-to-use teaching materials. The project aims to provide comprehensive resources and educational strategies that will effectively raise awareness and improve skills among older people, supporting them in participating more fully in the digital world.
Project value: EUR 400,000
Duration: 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2027
Project No 2024-1-IS01-KA220-ADU-000256952
The team implementing the project on behalf of the University:
- Dr Paulina Rutecka, Eng. (project manager on behalf of the University)
- Monika Wieczorek-Kosmala, PhD, Professor at the University of Economics
- Artur Strzelecki, PhD, Professor at the University of Economics
- Anna Losa, PhD
- Karina Cicha, PhD
- Mariia Rizun, PhD
- Przemysław Juszczuk, PhD
- Paulina Badura, MSc
- Patryk Morawiec, MSc Eng
Administrative support for the project is provided by the Internationalisation Office:
- Magdalena Skowron, MSc
- Małgorzata Baran, MSc
The SILWERS project is another step in engaging the University of Economics in Katowice in international educational initiatives that respond to the challenges of the modern world.