Indiana University is offering a free online generative artificial intelligence course for students, faculty and staff that will be available when classes start in August for the fall semester.
GenAI systems include Google Gemini and Chat GPT.
GenAI 101 will introduce practical skills in GenAI, including the use of prompts to generate ideas and using GenAI to offer different perspectives and challenge ideas.
Brian Williams, GenAI 101 lead professor and faculty chair of the Virtual Advanced Business Technologies department at IU’s Kelley School of Business, said the course will also develop skills like using GenAI to help with presentations, writing emails and data storytelling.
“So we want to make sure that students especially — and that's the main audience, right? — are equipped with good comfortableness, good understanding of these skills, and are able to go into their jobs and internships well prepared,” Williams said.
There will be 20 key GenAI skills participants will learn while studying three areas: Foundational Prompt engineering, GenAI as a Thought Partner and GenAi as a Productivity Amplifier. It is a self-paced course with eight modules and 16 lessons, and no prior experience is required.
The course is based in Google Gemini, a GenAI platform available for free for IU students and employees. The skills taught will be applicable to other GenAI platforms as well.
On the first day of classes Aug. 25, students will be able to access GenAI 101 through Canvas, Williams said. Faculty and staff will have an enrollment option.
There is no requirement to take the course, Williams said. Students will receive a credential they can include on their resume upon completion, but it will not appear on transcripts and will not count toward degree credits.
