Whether we like it or not, AI has become a mainstay technology in society and within the field of education. While machine learning has been used in computer-mediated settings for decades, the arrival of ChatGPT in November 2022 has opened the use of AI technologies to teachers and students from all areas. This also means that the teacher preparation we went through, likely did not include specific training on AI.
The good news is that there are many options for growing our awareness, knowledge, dispositions, and skills related to AI. This ranges from full graduate degrees in AI to professional development workshops. In this article, we focus on ten no cost AI training options that may be relevant to educators. Many of the options are connected to well-known and -used edtech tools, providing practical training when using.
Note: This list is in alphabetical order instead of rating these against one another.
1. Adobe
Generative AI for Creativity and Innovation offers an introductory generative AI course that’s been developed for using Adobe projects to innovate classrooms. The main topics covered include AI terminology, the power of prompt engineering, and ideas for using Adobe's AI-powered tools for creative classroom experiences. Within the course, real-world cases are presented for generative AI, which may help contextualize the content.
2. AI for Education
In approximately two hours, the Essential Guide to AI for Educators course provides training on using ChatGPT. The major topics that are covered include prompt engineering, ethics, and using ChatGPT in practice. A certificate of completion is provided at the end of the training.
3. Canva
Canva offers a 60-minute self-paced AI in the Classroom course for teachers. In it, content is presented with the aim of building confidence in Canva's AI-powered tools within teaching practices. This Canva AI training offers hands-on activities. Upon completion, a professional certification through Canva is provided. You can try integrating Canva's AI-powered tools with this Canva Lesson Plan.
4. Code Academy
The Intro to Generative AI 60-minute course provides introductory content on generative AI, so there are no prerequisite skills required. Three main areas that are focused on in the course include understanding what generative AI is, the different types, and the ethics of using it.
5. Code.org
Presented by Code.org, ETS, ISTE, and Khan Academy, AI 101 for Teachers offers a comprehensive online learning that focuses on teaching with and about AI. services. Companion Guides for Educators are provided to accompany the video training, which makes it more seamless to use the content learned in classrooms.
6. Common Sense Education
The Training Course: AI Basics for K-12 Teachers is a free foundational course focused on understanding the basics of generative AI while developing AI literacy. It also explores the impacts generative AI has had on education. As part of the course, reflecting on the connections between AI and teaching practices will be established.
7. Coursera
The four-module AI for Everyone is a six-hour beginner's level course. Modules include: "What is AI?" "Building AI Projects," "Building AI in Your Company," and "AI in Society." A shareable certificate that can be added to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or social media platforms is provided upon completion of the course.
8. Curipod
The AI-certified Curipod Educator goes beyond offering an introductory overview of AI by providing an opportunity for educators to become an AI-certified Curipod educator with a digital badge upon completion. Cuirpod specifically lists teachers, instructional technologists, curriculum content creators, and PD coaches as those for whom the training was designed. Using this Curipod Lesson Plan may be helpful in making connections to the Curipod AI-powered tools.
9. Google
Google has created Generative AI for Educators, which focuses on preparing educators to use generative AI for conversational prompting with tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT. The training should take approximately two hours, with exercises geared both toward writing prompts using AI tools as well as evaluating outputs.
10. Microsoft
The AI for Educators is a four-hour, four-module training offered by Microsoft for educators at the K-12 and higher education levels. In addition to providing content on the history of AI, the training includes preparing educators to use AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Edge browser, Minecraft, PowerPoint, and others. The training is aligned with the ISTE Standards for Educators and the UNESCO Standards for Educators.
The opportunities listed here are just a glimpse of options for free AI training, and certainly not exhaustive. Recently, one of our Tech & Learning contributors shared their experience with the Open AI and Common Sense Education's AI training as well as more detailed overviews of AI Literacy courses from Google and Adobe.
Try out one or more of the free AI training listed above. These opportunities to build professional learning can improve our approach in using AI for our instruction and assessment practices.
