Full course description
AI Literacy
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work, learn, communicate, and solve problems. This AI Literacy course is human-centered, approachable, and inclusive. Our goal is to help you stay in control of your learning journey, use AI as a collaborator, and build confidence in your ability to understand, evaluate, and use these tools responsibly.
Participants will explore the basic building blocks of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, and responsible AI practices. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, learners will gain experience interacting with common AI tools and develop the skills needed to evaluate, use, and communicate about AI confidently and ethically.
By completing this course you’ll walk away with practical information that empowers you to:
- Understand how AI systems work
- Use AI tools to enhance, not replace, your voice and creativity
- Know when to lean on AI, and when to rely on your own expertise
- Engage with AI critically, ethically, and responsibly
- Participate in meaningful conversations about AI in society, education, and the workplace
This course is ideal for professionals and lifelong learners alike seeking a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence in an accessible, non-technical learning environment.
The course is self-paced and broken into modules, each focused on a different dimension of AI literacy:
- Technical Foundations – How AI systems are trained and how they work behind the scenes
- Practical Applications – How to use AI effectively, stay in control of the process, and maintain your voice
- Evaluative Thinking – How to assess tools and outputs, spot bias, and ensure alignment with your goals
- Ethical Use – How to use AI responsibly, protect data, and understand its broader impacts
- Conclusion & Reflection – A final module that ties it all together and prepares you for your next steps
Each module takes about 10–15 minutes. You will have 30 calendar days upon enrollment to complete the course.
Credentials Earned
Students that complete this course will earn an NAU digital badge (below). This badge can be posted to LinkedIn, a resume, an email signature, or other platforms. Badges are live, clickable images and lead viewers to a webpage summary of the content and learning objectives met by the student for a specific course.
Accessibility
Professional disability specialists are available at Disability Resources to facilitate a range of academic support services and accommodations for students with disabilities. If you have a documented disability, you can request assistance by contacting Disability Resources at 928-523-8773 or dr@nau.edu.