University of Mary Washington Introduces AI Course to Equip Students with Generative AI Skills

What's Happening?

The University of Mary Washington has launched an asynchronous one-credit course titled IDIS 300: Introduction to AI, aimed at providing students with foundational knowledge in generative artificial intelligence (AI). This course, offered over the summer at no cost, covers AI ethics, tools, copyright concerns, and potential career impacts. It is designed to help students use AI tools thoughtfully and intelligently. The course includes eight modules with videos, readings, discussion boards, and quizzes, and concludes with a paper analyzing an AI tool relevant to the student's field. The course enrolled 249 students, representing about 6% of the university's undergraduate population, with 88% passing. Feedback indicates a strong interest in making the course mandatory or highly recommended.

Why It's Important?

The introduction of this course reflects a growing recognition of the importance of AI literacy in higher education, as generative AI becomes increasingly prevalent in various industries. By equipping students with AI skills, the university is preparing them for a job market where such competencies are in demand. This initiative could set a precedent for other institutions to integrate AI education into their curricula, potentially influencing how future professionals engage with AI technologies. The course's success suggests a positive reception among students, highlighting a demand for education that bridges academic learning with practical, career-oriented skills.

What's Next?

The university plans to expand the course offerings by developing intermediate or advanced classes and creating discipline-specific modules. There is also an intention to recruit more instructors to manage the course's large size effectively. Additionally, the university will host events to continue discussions on AI, including debates on its environmental impact. The course content will be made available to non-students, and there is interest from local schools to offer it as a dual-enrollment course, indicating a broader educational outreach.