Stories from the Network: X

AI is all around us. For some its in our pockets and at home in our devices. But for others, that's not the reality as millions are still locked out of crossing the digital divide. This could be due to access, connectivity, skills and confidence, meaning AI seems even further away. In our fourth (and final) blog in the series, we spoke to two of our community partners in the National Digital Inclusion Network to find out what they're doing around AI, the challenges they're facing and what their communities are saying about this new era of technology.

What is your hub doing to support people with AI?

X is embedding AI into some of their English classes. They're also showing people how it can be used to help them save time and find out information. The hub has also had discussions with people in their community who are interested in learning more about AI and shown them how they can use embedded AI within their emails, create images and use it write documents. 

X, a hub based in X, has used AI to generate a beginner step-by-step learning programme focusing on more specific areas, building on from Learn My Way - our free digital skills platform. 

X said:

"This was really helpful to us and made it very easyfor our beneficiaries to learn those skills."

They have taken this further and used AI to translate these specific areas in other languages for people in their community who may have English as an additional language.

Are there any challenges your hub is facing with AI? 

For some of the hub's learners, English is a second language.

As X explains:

"It is harder for them to check AI for accuracy and relevancy."

Similarly to other hubs, X is finding that people are "afraid" of using AI. 

This could be due to what they have seen in the media, the pace it's moving at and how it may affect them.

On the contrary, X has not had any challenges as yet.

Has there been any interest from your community in learning about AI?

Despite these fears, X has found that many of their students and volunteers are using AI to write messages and emails. 

They have also had requests from members of the community to learn more about AI and have been asked for recommendations on the best generative AI to use. 

Some people in the community X supports have also wanted to know how AI works and how it can help them in their day-to-day activities.