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Artificial Intelligence, CONstructed Images and immersive Critical Literacy

Objective

AICONIC is an innovative educational pathway combining a scalable learning format with a mixed reality application to foster critical and visual literacy in the age of artificial intelligence. As generative and synthetic media increasingly transform communication and public discourse, young people encounter interactive and immersive images that shape perception, emotions and behavior. However, current approaches to AI and media literacy remain mainly text-based and analytical, creating a gap between the functioning of contemporary visual environments and the competences developed in education. Building on the ERC-funded project AN-ICON, AICONIC translates advanced research on technological and environmental images into an applied and transferable innovation. The main objective is to develop and validate a hybrid learning model integrating classroom mediation and a short immersive experience that allow students to explore how synthetic images are produced, mediated and interpreted. Through guided interaction with generative processes, learners will understand bias, probabilistic models and the limits of control in interactive visual systems. The project will co-design the educational pathway and test it in secondary schools using a mixed-method evaluation focused on the development of “agency awareness”, defined as the ability to critically recognize the constructed and mediated nature of synthetic and immersive images. The expected outcomes include an educational toolkit, an immersive prototype and validation evidence supporting scalability. By integrating visual culture, extended reality and participatory pedagogy, AICONIC aims to support digital citizenship and responsible engagement with emerging technologies.

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Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC

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Host institution

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO
Net EU contribution
€ 70 000,00
Address
Via Festa Del Perdono 7
20122 Milano
Italy
Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Beneficiaries (3)