A collection of resources and courses to learn about AI.
Elements of AI is a series of free online courses created by MinnaLearn and the University of Helsinki. We want to encourage as broad a group of people as possible to learn what AI is, what can (and can’t) be done with AI, and how to start creating AI methods. The courses combine theory with practical exercises and can be completed at your own pace.
- I completed this course a few years ago and enjoyed it.
- The course was launched about 5 years ago and so approaches AI in a more general sense, rather than focusing on the more recent enthusiasm around generative AI and large language models.
- In preparing this post, I noticed that the University of Helsinki has expanded their range of free AI courses.
Jisc mini-MOOC on AI and ethics
As part of Jisc’s exploration of artificial intelligence, we’ve created a free ‘mini-MOOC’. If you’re interested in artificial intelligence (AI), and have half an hour to spare, this course is designed for you… . We hear a lot about how we should be worried about AI, usually illustrated with an image from Terminator, but most of us frequently use AI – without even noticing – to do things that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
To call a 30-minute collection of resources a mini-MOOC might be generous. I’m signed up for the September cohort.
GRAILE lectures and panel discussions on AI in education
GRAILE is the Global Research Alliance for AI in Learning and Education, and they’re coordinating a series of speakers over 12 months, called Sensemaking lectures.
Each month, a speaker will frame a theme of discussion and conversation. Following the lecture, discussions will be held reviewing important literature and exploring implications in educational settings. These discussions will happen asynchronously, with periodic Zoom discussions, with a global community of interested researchers.
While this isn’t really a course, it’s looking like a great collection of thoughtful people discussing the impact of AI on education. The series started in May 2023 and will continue with a new video every month until May 2024. You can subscribe to the YouTube channel using the link above.
Futures Thinking: Anticipating the impact of AI in Education
Futures Thinking is an essential skill for educators and professionals in the field of education. As technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), continue to shape our society, it becomes crucial to anticipate and understand their potential impact on education.
This is a free 4-week course developed by the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) at the University of South Australia. The aim is to connect and equip professionals from various educational backgrounds with the skills and tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education.
Today we are expanding our digital skills training, offering new AI training for everyone in the UK. Our new AI-focused New Fundamentals free training series offer people and businesses practical skills and knowledge to capture the benefits of AI, whether it’s to save time, get a new job or grow their businesses.
- Grow Your Productivity with AI: An introduction to the smartest ways AI tools can save you time.
- Understanding Machine Learning: This course teaches the potential of machine learning to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive growth.
Note that this course is going to focus on Google products and services and is probably more generic than anything focused specifically on higher education. However, it may worth a look, especially if you’re integrated into Google’s ecosystem.