Tag: literacy

Ireland’s Age-Friendly AI Training Programme Launches in Cavan

The Age-Friendly AI training programme, Ireland’s National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative for Older Adults, was officially launched at Johnston Central Library in the Farnham Centre in Cavan on Monday. The programme is delivered by researchers from Technological University Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre. Funded by Research Ireland, the initiative will roll out in public libraries across Ireland throughout 2026 in partnership with Libraries Ireland, managed by the Local Government Management Agency.

Age-Friendly AI was developed in partnership with older adults and leading ageing-focused organisations across Ireland. This training programme follows a year-long public dialogue exploring their hopes, concerns and expectations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in everyday life. Accompanying resources and training materials for librarians and other educators will support lifelong learning in their communities.

Speaking about the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for trade promotion, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Niamh Smyth TD said:

“As technology accelerates, we must ensure our progress is measured not just by the speed of innovation, but by its inclusivity. No citizen should be left behind in the wake of advancement. That is why the work being done through ADAPT’s Age-Friendly AI programme is so vital, it bridges the generational divide, ensuring that the rewards of AI are accessible, equitable, and empowering for everyone, regardless of age. I was delighted to work alongside the team at ADAPT to arrange for the Launch of Phase 2 of the Age-Friendly AI project held in Johnston Library, Cavan, and wish the project continued success.”

Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said, 

“Libraries Ireland is proud to support the Age Friendly AI initiative as part of our national Skills for Life programme. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of every community and play a vital role in ensuring learning is inclusive and accessible as society evolves. Already this year, we have seen Age Friendly AI engagements in libraries across several counties, and over the rest of 2026, libraries across Ireland will host a national rollout of the programme. Ultimately, this is about ensuring older people are part of the conversation on AI, giving them the time, support and confidence to engage at their own pace.”

Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre said,

“Ongoing dialogue, enabled by the #DiscussAI national conversation on Artificial Intelligence, is at the very heart of this programme. By listening to older people from the outset, we ensure that the individuals this training aims to reach are actively involved at every stage of the process. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is relevant and resonates with the real-life experiences and needs of older adults across Ireland.”

Paula Kelly, Age-Friendly AI Lead at TU Dublin, added:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the LGMA, Libraries Ireland, under their Skills for Life programme, as well as over twenty other community partners, to bring this training to every corner of the country. The Age-Friendly AI initiative isn’t just about teaching AI technology; it’s about making sure older adults aren’t left behind as AI becomes part of our everyday products and services, from healthcare to banking to staying in touch with family.”

The launch event began with an introductory workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) delivered by Paula Kelly. Participants explored what AI is, where it appears in daily life and how it is shaping areas such as healthcare, banking and communication. The session also examined both the benefits and potential risks of AI and allowed attendees to try AI tools in a supportive, hands-on environment.

The event also featured remarks from Paula Butler, Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Local Government Strategy, Research and Communications at the Local Government Management Agency, who highlighted the role of libraries in supporting community learning and digital inclusion.

Following the formal launch, attendees tried out interactive demonstrations, including “Spirit of Radio,” a vintage radio with a modern AI twist; an “Art or AI?” exhibit that challenged participants to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated artwork; and a voice-activated smart lamp.

The Age-Friendly AI training programme will continue to roll out in libraries across Ireland throughout 2026, providing accessible, community-based opportunities for older adults to learn about and experiment with artificial intelligence technologies. No previous knowledge of AI is necessary.

For updates on upcoming workshops and programme developments, members of the public can sign up to the Age-Friendly AI newsletter.

How Online Conveyancing Platforms Are Transforming Property Transactions in Ireland and England

For decades, property transactions have been bogged down by paperwork, snail-paced communication, and legal jargon. But today, technology is reshaping how people buy and sell homes, both in England and increasingly in Ireland too.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a solicitor guiding clients through the process, the rise of online conveyancing platforms is impossible to ignore. If you’re in England’s capital, consider using conveyancing solicitors London for expert legal guidance. This, alongside digital convenience, makes transactions smoother, faster, and more transparent.

Here’s how that shift is playing out — and what it means for buyers, sellers and the industry at large. 

What Is Online Conveyancing?

Online conveyancing platforms allow buyers and sellers to complete much of the property transfer process digitally. This includes:

  • Instructing a solicitor
  • Completing ID checks
  • Uploading documents securely
  • Signing contracts electronically
  • Tracking case progress in real time

Rather than printing, scanning, and posting documents, clients and solicitors can manage everything via a secure dashboard. Some systems even allow live updates, messaging, and 24/7 access.

Why It’s Gaining Popularity

Online conveyancing isn’t a gimmick — it’s a response to real pain points:

  • Delays: Traditional conveyancing often suffers from poor communication and admin bottlenecks
  • Transparency: Clients want to know what’s happening, without chasing solicitors
  • Efficiency: Digital tools reduce time wasted on manual tasks
  • Accessibility: Clients can work with solicitors from anywhere — not just their postcode

LexisNexis highlights how tech is helping legal services evolve — and property law is leading the charge.

England vs Ireland: Similar Goals, Different Speeds

Both England and Ireland are embracing digital conveyancing — but they’re doing so at slightly different paces.

  • In England, many firms now offer fully digital onboarding, online ID checks and e-signatures.
  • In Ireland, progress is being made, especially post-COVID, but paper-heavy traditions still dominate.

However, both jurisdictions are pushing toward the same goal: faster, more transparent, client-friendly transactions.

The Irish Law Society has begun exploring reforms to align more closely with tech-forward practices.

The Client Benefits

From the client’s perspective, digital conveyancing platforms offer:

  • Speed: Transactions can be completed faster with fewer delays
  • Clarity: A clear timeline and progress updates reduce stress
  • Convenience: No need to take time off work or send documents by post

Clients can log in from their phone to check what stage they’re at — from initial enquiries to contract exchange.

For Solicitors: More Focus, Less Admin

For conveyancing solicitors, digital tools can improve workflow significantly:

  • Less time chasing paperwork means more time advising clients
  • Automated reminders and status updates keep everything moving
  • Secure document sharing reduces risk and improves compliance

It’s not about replacing human solicitors — it’s about freeing them up to focus on what clients really value: clear advice, problem-solving and peace of mind.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite the benefits, online conveyancing isn’t without hurdles:

  • Cybersecurity: Property transactions are a common target for fraud
  • Digital literacy: Not all clients are comfortable with online systems
  • Integration: Some firms still juggle digital platforms with paper-based processes

That’s why trusted legal oversight is still crucial. Online doesn’t mean impersonal — it means accessible and streamlined. 

What the Future Holds

As more property buyers (especially younger ones) demand tech-savvy solutions, firms that adapt will have a clear edge. And as Ireland follows the lead of England’s digital progress, cross-border deals will get simpler too.

Buyers in London might one day seamlessly purchase holiday properties in Cork or Galway — all from their living room.

Government initiatives like the UK’s Digital Property Market Strategy are paving the way for national reforms that encourage broader adoption.

Making the Digital Leap

If you’re buying or selling property soon, consider a solicitor who offers online case management tools. It doesn’t mean sacrificing service — it often means improving it.

Look for firms that:

  • Combine digital tools with real legal support
  • Prioritise secure, encrypted communication
  • Offer transparent pricing and real-time updates

The shift to online conveyancing is here to stay. And when used well, it puts power — and peace of mind — back in your hands.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised guidance on property transactions in England or Ireland, please speak to a qualified conveyancing solicitor.

Tips for Creating a Successful Data Literacy Campaign

Data literacy is an essential skill in our increasingly data-driven world. It involves understanding how to use, interpret, analyze, and communicate data effectively. With the increasing availability of large amounts of data from various sources, it has become increasingly important for individuals and organizations to be able to make sense of this data in order to make informed decisions. For those who are not yet proficient in data literacy, the task can seem daunting. That’s why it is important to create a successful data literacy campaign that will help people become more literate and confident when dealing with data. We will discuss some tips for creating a successful data literacy campaign. Also, we will look at some best practices for teaching data literacy. So, if you are looking to start a data literacy campaign, keep reading!

1. Start with the Basics And Provide Them With A Training

Before embarking on a more complex data literacy campaign, start by teaching people the basic principles of data. Explain what data is, how it can be used, and which tools are available for analyzing and visualizing it. Additionally, provide your participants with a training program that will help them understand the basics of data literacy. This could include tutorials on using spreadsheets or data analysis software, as well as lectures on topics such as descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. You can also explain to them data governance consulting, which is a way to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data in an organization. This kind of training will help build their confidence in dealing with data. Additionally, it will also give them a better understanding of the context in which data is used. For instance, they will have a better understanding of the implications of their data analysis and the decisions that they make based on the data. 

2. Make Sure the Content Is Accessible and Relevant

Once you have covered the basics, it is important to make sure that the data literacy content is accessible and relevant to your participants. This means using language that they can easily understand, as well as providing examples of how data can be used in everyday life. For instance, they could learn how to calculate the average cost of an item or how to analyze data from a survey. Additionally, if you have access to real datasets, such as those used in big data projects, provide them with these and explain how they can be used. This will help make the content more relevant and engaging for your participants. 

3. Create Accessible Materials 

It is also important to create materials that are accessible to your participants. This includes digital resources such as video tutorials, infographics, and other visual content that can be accessed on various devices. Additionally, you should consider providing printed handouts or summaries of the material so that people can refer back to it at their convenience. Finally, if you are able to hold workshops or seminars, make sure to provide your participants with useful take-away materials, such as notes, exercises, and worksheets. 

4. Encourage Engagement and Collaboration

You should also make sure to encourage engagement and collaboration among your participants. This could include group activities, such as discussions about relevant topics, or working together on a project or case study. Additionally, you can hold competitions that involve data analysis and allow people to share their findings with each other. By encouraging collaboration, you will help build a community of data literates who can learn from each other and provide support. Also, this will help create a more positive atmosphere of learning and development. You can, for example, create a Slack channel or other online platform where people can discuss and share resources. Or, you can create a closed Facebook group where people can post questions, share their experiences, and help each other out. Furthermore, you can also reach out to professionals in the field and invite them to share their knowledge and insights. They can provide valuable input and help develop the data literacy of your participants. 

5. Review Your Program

Another step you should not miss is to review your data literacy program regularly. This includes assessing how effective it has been and looking at ways to improve its content and delivery. Additionally, you should also collect feedback from participants so that you can identify potential issues or areas of improvement. This will help ensure that your program is up-to-date and provides the best possible learning experience. Other methods of it can also include setting measurable goals so that you can track progress and success. This means that you will be able to see how well the program is working and make adjustments if needed. Also, you can use tools such as surveys and polls to collect feedback from participants. 

6. Make It Fun

 

Finally, make sure to include a few fun elements in your program. This could include activities that promote team building and collaboration, such as games and puzzles. Additionally, you can give out small prizes or rewards for participants who demonstrate their data literacy skills. For instance, you could offer rewards for the best presentations or the most accurate analysis. Doing so will not only help to motivate and engage participants, but it can also help create a positive atmosphere that promotes learning. And, of course, you should also take breaks during the program so that participants can rest and recharge their batteries. The breaks should be made interactive and entertaining, such as a trivia game or survey. This way, participants can take a break without losing focus. It will also help them stay relaxed so that they can focus on the task at hand. 

By following these tips, you will be able to create a successful data literacy campaign for your organization or community. With an appropriate training program and engaging activities, you can help build a culture of data literates who understand the importance of data in our society today. And by reviewing the program periodically, you can make sure that it always meets the needs of your participants. Good luck!