Ice breakers can prompt mixed reactions. Some participants enjoy them, while others need to understand how they connect to the training. A well-designed opening activity can help people feel comfortable, meet their peers and become ready to participate.
During our AI4VET Erasmus+ training, we integrated Generative AI into the opening activities. We wanted participants to encounter the technology through a shared task and see how it could support communication, creativity and learning from the beginning.
“Podcast without a microphone” turned written introductions into shared AI-generated audio. A multilingual translation challenge helped participants exchange questions across languages.
These examples gave educators a practical starting point for exploring AI. Participants could contribute to an activity, experience what a tool could do and connect that experience with their own teaching contexts.
For vocational and adult education, this approach offers useful possibilities. An opening task can introduce a digital tool while helping participants get to know one another. It can also create a shared experience that the trainer returns to later when discussing participation, accessibility or the quality of AI-generated content.
The educational purpose guides the activity. A trainer can consider the group’s languages, confidence with technology and available time, then choose a task with clear instructions and an achievable outcome. A short reflection afterwards helps participants connect the experience with the wider learning objectives.
Good facilitation gives the technology a meaningful role. Participants need space to contribute, ask questions and discuss the results. Their choices and interpretations help turn a digital demonstration into a learning experience.
The EPALE article “GenAI ice breakers in VET training” shares practical ideas for educators who want to explore this approach in their own workshops. It offers inspiration for opening activities that connect AI with interaction and learning in vocational and adult education.
Read the article: GenAI ice breakers in VET training
How do you help participants feel ready to take part at the beginning of a training session?
Share an example in the comments—we would like to hear what works for your learners.
