CHARLIE - Challenging Bias in Big Data user for AI and Machine Learning

<< Background >>The CHARLIE project was proposed to address the increasing presence of algorithmic decision-making systems in society and the need for education to respond critically and ethically to this transformation. As highlighted in the project description, there is a clear lack of educational initiatives that focus on the social and ethical impact of algorithms, especially their potential to reproduce or reinforce discrimination and bias. The project responds to this gap by developing inclusive, competence-based, and multilingual educational resources across EQF levels 2, 4, and 6. It aims to empower young people, students, and educators—particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds—to understand, identify, and challenge algorithmic bias. Furthermore, the project supports teachers and trainers by equipping them with practical tools to promote ethical thinking, civic engagement, and democratic values. CHARLIE directly addresses key EU educational priorities, including digital transformation, inclusion, ethics, and active citizenship, contributing to a more just and informed digital society.<< Objectives >>The main objective of the CHARLIE project was to empower students, young people, and educators to critically understand and address algorithmic bias in digital systems and their impact on society. By implementing the project, we aimed to develop inclusive, multilingual, and competence-based educational resources aligned with EU frameworks and adapted to EQF levels 2 (youth), 4 (adult education), and 6 (higher education). These resources were designed to help learners—particularly those from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups—acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to recognize, question, and counter the biases and inequalities that algorithms can reinforce.Additionally, the project sought to strengthen the role of teachers, trainers, and youth workers by providing parallel materials and tools to support their educational practice in promoting ethical thinking, critical digital literacy, and civic engagement. Through this dual approach, CHARLIE aimed to contribute to building a more inclusive, transparent, and democratic digital society, fully aligned with European values and strategic priorities such as digital transformation, inclusion, and ethical education.<< Implementation >>The CHARLIE project implemented a structured set of activities organised in five work packages. It began with a comparative analysis of how algorithmic bias is addressed in education across partner countries. Based on these findings, partners co-designed three inclusive learning pathways (competency matrix) aligned with EQF levels 2, 4, and 6, each including competence matrices and learning outcomes (WP2). All results were collaboratively developed, peer-reviewed, and translated into Spanish, Romanian, Danish, and Finnish.WP3 focused on creating pedagogical materials for EQF6 (Higher Education), while WP4 developed tailored resources for EQF4 (Adult Education) and EQF2 (Youth), including a serious game. An open-access platform was launched to share all content. WP5 led dissemination through newsletters, social media, academic publications, and multiple national and international conferences, increasing visibility and academic engagement. Webinars and training events supported implementation by teachers and trainers. All activities were monitored through continuous internal quality assurance to ensure consistency and impact.<< Results >>The CHARLIE project delivered concrete, high-quality, multilingual educational outputs targeting three different educational levels and audiences: youth (EQF2), adult learners (EQF4), and higher education students (EQF6). Each level included a full competency-based learning pathway with detailed competency matrices and learning outcomes, co-designed and peer-reviewed by all partners, and made available in Spanish, Romanian, Danish, and Finnish.WP3 developed pedagogical materials for EQF6, including guides, activities, and case studies for both students and trainers. WP4 produced an Ethical AI microcredential-based course for EQF4, offering flexible, accessible learning for adult learners, and a serious game for EQF2 to engage youth in understanding algorithmic bias.All materials are hosted on an open-access online platform. The project also delivered webinars, training events, and participation in national and international conferences, along with several academic publications, contributing to both educational practice and scientific discourse.A complete quality report can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mq_zhdzARM2jtfuv8J4LAgKftSYp9qdi/view?usp=sharing