The conversations around AI these days seem to be polarized. On one side, you have the advocates hyping up how AI will solve all our problems. On the other hand, the critics are warning about robots taking over the world. The truth is, AI is complex with many nuances, and we need to move beyond this binary way of thinking to find a deeper, more realistic understanding.

The ITCILO AI gameboard aims to increase AI literacy through meaningful discussions. Rather than framing AI as purely positive or negative, it helps people explore the opportunities and challenges, myths and facts. Some common myths include that AI will make all jobs obsolete or that we’ll have human-level AI any day now. The reality is AI may transform jobs, but also create new ones. And we’re still quite far from human-level AI.

Through conversations, people can clarify misunderstandings, consider different perspectives, and find common ground. The ITCILO AI gameboard uses examples and scenarios related to learning and training to prompt discussions on topics like:

• How AI may enhance learning and training opportunities
• How we can make sure AI is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with human values
• How we can use AI to increase productivity; one study shows that a 30% productivity boost is possible

The future of AI depends on us. With open-minded, well-informed discussions, we can help ensure it’s developed and applied responsibly to benefit all learners and workers.

Rather than passively consuming information, the ITCILO AI gameboard puts you in the driver's seat to explore AI through open-ended conversations with your peers. Guided by a set of thought-provoking questions, you can gain valuable insights from the collective knowledge and diverse perspectives in the group.

To use the ITCILO AI gameboard, you need a phone with internet connection and, ideally, six players. Players sit around the table with the gameboard set up in front of them. Each player randomly selects a card that displays a shape, which is possible to recreate using the cards on the gameboard. Your goal is to recreate your shape on the gameboard by flipping over cards and completing the tasks described. Players take turns flipping the cards and scanning the QR codes on the backs of them. The game is over when a player successfully recreates their shape.

Here are some examples of the questions you may find on the cards:

• How might we use AI to improve working conditions in an educational/training context?
• Use ChatGPT and Pictory to generate a 1-minute video about…
• Finish this sentence about AI… 

There are no fixed answers. The goal is to collectively discuss what AI could signify for us as colleagues and as an organization. Done thoughtfully, we gain insights on how to harness AI to improve learning and training and to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The questions are intended as conversation starters. From there, we explore related topics and share diverse viewpoints. For example, players may consider how AI may influence areas like:

• Content creation and delivery
• Assessment and evaluation
• Administration and management
• …and more!

As a former participant shared: 

"The AI gameboard opened my mind to the possibilities of AI for learning and work. I gained a broader perspective through sharing ideas with my colleagues. Our conversations were thought-provoking and helped me understand this emerging field."

The ITCILO partnered with Nik Baerten, knowledge engineer and co-founder of Pantopicon, a foresight and design studio based in Belgium. Pantopicon blends insights from various disciplines to create provocative futures and help organizations explore long-term challenges and opportunities. Nik is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on all things future, and has received recognition for his work in design and foresight.

The key is keeping the conversation going even after the game ends. AI literacy is a journey, not a destination. But with the right tools and an open and curious mindset, it’s a journey we can all take together.

The ITCILO provides additional resources for building and maintaining AI literacy, such as online courses and tailor-made AI Labs. We recommend:

• Artificial intelligence for development: Explores how AI can support capacity development projects, aiming to ensure equal access to digital transformation and introduces participants to AI concepts such as neural networks and machine learning
• Artificial intelligence innovation sprint: Focuses on leveraging AI for social good, using design thinking sprints to develop a minimum viable product with AI, machine learning, or automated decision-making elements

To build your AI literacy and start meaningful conversations, here are some other resources to explore:

• “The power of inclusive artificial intelligence for training” (ITCILO): Longform story that discusses the efforts of global actors to soften disruption and address bias in AI, highlighting the importance of ensuring the benefits and risks of AI are distributed fairly
• Elements of AI (University of Helsinki and MinnaLearn): Series of free online courses to teach what AI is, what can (and can’t) be done with AI, and how to start creating AI methods
• Generative AI learning path (Google): Curated collection of content on generative AI products and technologies, from the fundamentals of Large Language Models to how to create and deploy generative AI solutions on Google Cloud

There are many podcasts and video channels dedicated to explaining AI concepts and topics in an easy to understand way. Some recommendations:

• MIT OpenCourseWare: Video lectures and course materials from MIT AI classes
• Two Minute Papers: Quick explanations of recent AI research and concepts
• DeepMind x UCL: Talks on topics like reinforcement learning, game theory, and neural networks

Engaging in discussions with others is a great way to learn. Check out some of these online communities:

• AI Reddit: Subreddits like r/artificial, r/machinelearning and r/learnmachinelearning have active discussions and people willing to answer questions.
• AI Stack Exchange: Community-driven Q&A platform for AI-related questions with a large community of experts and enthusiasts who answer questions and share their knowledge
• AI Meetup: Global community of AI enthusiasts that organizes meetups in different cities to bring people together to share knowledge and network

There are many pathways to building your AI literacy. Find what works for your learning style and interests, then start engaging in meaningful conversations. The more you discuss AI, the more adept and comfortable you'll become with the technology.