The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping adult education, offering new opportunities for more personalised, flexible, and accessible learning. ¨As a transformative force, AI can help overcome long-standing barriers by providing adaptive tools that support learners from diverse backgrounds and with different needs. At the same time, it is crucial to ensure that these technologies promote equity and do not reinforce existing biases.

EPALE is committed to fostering a human-centred and inclusive approach to AI in education. To highlight how this can be achieved in practice, the Nordic national support services have gathered a selection of articles that share Nordic perspectives on the challenges and possibilities of AI-enhanced adult learning. These insights reflect the region’s strong focus on trust, equality, and lifelong learning for all.

Finland

In the article Help and inspiration to teaching from responsible use of AI, Elina Jäntti explores how AI is being introduced into liberal adult education in Finland, with a focus on responsible, ethical use. It highlights national recommendations, teacher training initiatives, and innovative projects like the Digital Competence Disc, which uses AI to help recognize prior learning. The article underscores the importance of AI literacy for both educators and learners to ensure inclusive, safe, and effective education. (Available in Finnish and English)

Help and inspiration to teaching from responsible use of AI | EPALE

Norway

In the article Norway’s approach to lifelong learning in the Age of AI, the country’s national approach to adult education is explored in light of rapid technological change. It highlights how Norway combines flexible, modular learning with AI-powered tools like learning analytics to support individual learning needs. The strategy emphasizes equal access, digital inclusion, and strong public coordination, while also calling for clear ethical guidelines to ensure that technology supports – rather than controls – education. (Available in Norwegian, Spanish and English)

Norway’s Approach to Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI | EPALE

Sweden

In the article Using AI for personalised learning in adult education , Sara Rydin explores how generative AI can enable personalised learning in adult education in Sweden. It highlights the potential benefits for language learners, students with disabilities, and those with varied digital literacy, while stressing the need for ethical use, teacher involvement, and clear implementation strategies to avoid deepening the digital divide. (Available in Swedish and English)

Using AI for personalised learning in adult education | EPALE

Iceland

Iceland looks to Norway for inspiration, where AI technology is used to help job seekers identify and articulate their transferable skills. The Norwegian tool “Describe what you can do” combines ChatGPT with a user-friendly interface to support individuals in expressing their competencies—regardless of background or work experience. The tool is anonymous, easy to use, and contributes to more efficient career guidance. (Available in Spanish and English)

AI tools to help identify transferable skills | EPALE

Denmark

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers great opportunities for tailoring education and providing practical support in adult learning, but it also requires careful consideration and awareness. This text explores how AI can be used responsibly in adult education, highlighting both its potential and its risks. Through insights from researchers and educators, it underscores the need for critical reflection, collegial discussions, and a clear educational purpose when integrating AI into learning processes. (Available in Danish and English)

AI must be used with care in adult learning | EPALE

Nordic Network for Lifelong Learning (NLL)

The Nordic expert network NLL Digital Worklife presents a series of five short videos about artificial intelligence in working life, education, and training, along with recommendations developed based on the video series Making AI work the Nordic way.

To see more videos and read the recommendation one-pager, visit NLL Digital Worklife.

The articles are published as part of the Nordic Perspectives Series, a tertial collection of good practices from the Nordic countries. The series is co-created by EPALE Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.