"We need to avail ourselves of GenAI to enhance knowledge distribution": Empowering Older Adults through GenAI Literacy
Project Overview
The document explores the role of generative AI (GenAI) in education, particularly focusing on its application to enhance AI literacy among older adults. It details a study featuring a chatbot named Litti, which aimed to educate this demographic about AI capabilities, safety, and ethical considerations. The findings indicate that while there were positive trends in improving AI literacy, challenges remain, such as a lack of trust in AI technologies and ongoing concerns about potential misuse. The study underscores the importance of developing tailored educational tools to empower older adults in navigating the complexities of new technologies and ensuring they feel equipped to engage with AI responsibly. Overall, the document highlights the promise of generative AI in fostering understanding and competence, while also acknowledging the barriers that need to be addressed to maximize its effectiveness in educational contexts.
Key Applications
Litti, the AI Literacy Education Chatbot
Context: Older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those residing in assisted living facilities.
Implementation: The chatbot was developed based on the Meta AI Literacy Scale (MAILS) framework and delivered through a web-hosting platform, incorporating interactive tasks to improve AI literacy.
Outcomes: Participants showed a positive trend in AI literacy, particularly in knowledge, safety, and ethical use of AI, though results were not statistically significant.
Challenges: Challenges included varying levels of prior knowledge among participants, trust issues related to AI safety, and the need for accessible educational methods.
Implementation Barriers
Trust and Safety
Older adults expressed skepticism about the safety and privacy of AI technologies, with concerns about scams and misuse.
Proposed Solutions: Educate older adults on AI safety, provide practical examples of AI misuse, and foster trust through transparent discussions about AI capabilities.
Accessibility
Varying levels of digital literacy and physical capabilities among older adults hinder effective engagement with AI technologies.
Proposed Solutions: Develop adaptable, multimodal educational approaches that accommodate diverse needs and provide multiple entry points for learning.
Project Team
Eunhye Grace Ko
Researcher
Shaini Nanayakkara
Researcher
Earl W. Huff Jr
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Eunhye Grace Ko, Shaini Nanayakkara, Earl W. Huff Jr
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai