A packed hall in Almenno San Bartolomeo for an open discussion on artificial intelligence, from education to everyday interactions
A packed hall and high turnout for the evening dedicated to a discussion on artificial intelligence and ethics at the Almenno San Bartolomeo Town Hall. An open dialogue between different generations and professions to reflect on the future of technology and the role of adults in educating young people to use it responsibly. Last Thursday, 29 October, the event “Digital in the Valley” took place – an evening conceived not as a simple lecture, but with the aim of creating a genuine space for meeting, exchange and debate on the topic of artificial intelligence and digital ethics [see the news item Digital arrives in the valley].
The response from the community was very positive: the hall was filled with people from completely different backgrounds, of all ages and with varied life experiences. Teachers, engineers, photographers, craftspeople and pensioners found themselves sitting side by side, united by the same curiosity and a desire to understand the transformations currently taking place.
Among the topics discussed during the evening, the concept of ‘robotoid humanity’, put forward during the talk, aroused particular interest and empathy: a reflection on the extent to which our minds are structuring new forms of language and thought in order to interact with machines. Everyone is seeking and finding their own style of interaction with AI and a personalised way of communicating with the tool which, as it emerged, they would often never use when addressing a human colleague.
Another thought-provoking aspect that emerged from the evening was the richness of the contributions. AI has now become part of many people’s daily working and personal lives, but the debate centred above all on a shared responsibility: understanding how to guide young people towards a conscious, critical and responsible use of these tools, and identifying an appropriate age for introducing AI into their lives and studies. It emerged that many schools have decided to keep it out of teaching activities, whilst others are integrating it into their curricula, leading teachers and headteachers to make their own independent decisions.
It was also interesting to hear the views of those who are more reluctant to use it and those who see it as an opportunity, but who emphasise the need to further regulate its use in both the workplace and personal life.
The event demonstrated just how much mountain regions can serve as key hubs for discussion on the major issues of our time, confirming the importance of creating opportunities for people to come together that combine technology with a sense of community. Given the enthusiasm and level of participation, the intention is to continue along this path, organising further opportunities for in-depth discussion.
Special thanks go to the Municipality of Almenno San Bartolomeo, which, through its deputy mayor, Massimo Todeschini, was immediately helpful and welcoming in promoting and organising this wonderful evening with us, demonstrating great sensitivity towards the issues of innovation and digital education.
This account is by Sabrina D’Avolio, project officer and trainerThe event “Il Digitale in Valle” was organised as part of the Coding Girls & Women programme, with support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies. The aim is to bring opportunities for digital education and public debate to the Bergamo area, promoting community spaces as places for lifelong learning, participation and intergenerational dialogue.
