Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool for supporting how we learn, create, and access opportunities. Until recently I’ve struggled to find examples of AI use in adult education, many of the groups teach practical skills and traditional arts and crafts and many participants embrace the screen-free time. Used well, AI can open doors to innovative teaching methods, streamlining administrative tasks, and can even enhance creative projects.  

AI as a Creative Partner: Collaging Images for Embroidery Designs  

Growing Space CIC in Wales, UK host a weekly community-history textiles session, Stories in Stitch, their current 6 week project explores themes of migration. Participants have used an AI app to create collages of maps of places that are important to them, the maps were then printed onto fabric and form the base for an embroidery project.

How To

Tools like Canva’s Magic Studio, Adobe Firefly, or even free AI art generators (such as Deep Dream Generator or NightCafe) can blend multiple images into eye-catching collages.  The example uses the InShot app to blend maps with hand drawn work.

Why It’s Good for Adult Education 

This is primarily a time and resource saver: the long hand version would be to have each participant make a paper collage by cutting up physical maps then scan and print each collage onto fabric, the AI takes a huge step out of the process which means the participants can focus on the intended learning – the textile art, and the funding stretches a little further.

This approach helps adults develop both tech literacy and hands-on craft skills.  

Educators can facilitate conversations about how AI tools can assist rather than replace human artistry.  

AI as a Funding Application Assistant: Navigating Complex Forms with Confidence  

Applying for educational grants or community funding can be daunting—lengthy forms, vague questions, and the pressure of aligning with funders’ priorities often create barriers. AI, particularly chatbots like ChatGPT or Deep Seek, is proving to be an invaluable assistant.  

How To 

Clarifying Questions: Copy a funder’s question into an AI tool and ask, “Can you rephrase this in simpler terms?” or “What key points should I address here?”  

Alignment Check: After drafting an answer, ask AI: Does this response match the funder’s goal of [insert objective]?”  

Tailoring Language: AI can help adjust tone to sound more professional or community-focused, depending on the audience.  

Why It’s a Game-Changer  

Democratises Access: Smaller community education providers (who often lack dedicated grant writers) can still submit strong applications.  

Reduces Overwhelm: AI breaks down complex jargon, making funding opportunities more accessible.  

Improves Answers: By ensuring answers are targeted and relevant, organisations increase their chances of securing support.  

Tips from our practice:  

Always review AI suggestions—funding applications need a human touch and local knowledge.  

Use AI as a support tool, not a replacement for human expertise and community connection.  

Your Turn

Have you used AI in adult education—whether for creative projects or admin tasks? Share your experiences over on EPALE and LinkedIn. 

Featured Image – Hanna Barakat & Cambridge Diversity Fund / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/