Kent State University is leading efforts to prepare you for a tech-savvy future by offering hands-on AI workshops tailored for faculty, staff, and students. These quick, practical sessions focus on integrating AI into your teaching, content creation, and administrative tasks. They also cover responsible AI use and ethical considerations. By participating, you’ll enhance your AI skills and stay ahead in modern education. Keep exploring to discover how these workshops can boost your AI expertise.
Key Takeaways
- Kent State offers short, practical AI workshops for faculty and staff to enhance teaching and administrative skills.
- Workshops focus on AI applications like content creation, student engagement, and ethical use in education.
- Sessions include hands-on demonstrations and discussions on responsible AI integration and policy development.
- Participation supports professional recognition and prepares educators for AI-driven teaching environments.
- The initiative aligns with campus efforts to develop AI-literate graduates and foster innovation in higher education.
Kent State University is expanding its commitment to innovative teaching through a series of AI workshops designed for faculty, staff, and education units. These sessions aim to equip you with practical AI skills that can be directly applied to your teaching and administrative duties. The workshops are designed to be accessible, with most offered online, allowing you to participate from anywhere and fit professional development into your busy schedule.
The short, 30-minute AI-Playground Workshops focus on hands-on demonstrations in areas like AI for student engagement, visual content creation, generating quizzes, summarizing material, and developing feedback rubrics. These quick sessions help you grasp essential tools and techniques efficiently, making it easier to incorporate AI into your daily tasks. While these sessions are designed for practical application, longer workshops spanning 60 to 90 minutes dive deeper into responsible AI use, classroom policies, and addressing student concerns related to AI. These interactive sessions offer real-time support and exploration of AI tools, giving you a more all-encompassing understanding of how to manage AI ethically and effectively.
Targeted primarily at faculty, staff, and education units, these workshops aim to enhance your ability to use AI for engagement and content development. They also emphasize understanding the ethical implications of AI, creating AI-assisted assessments, and promoting academic integrity. Additionally, the sessions foster your creativity and productivity by demonstrating how generative AI tools can support your instructional goals. All workshops contribute towards AI-Ready Educator Recognition, encouraging ongoing professional development in AI literacy. These workshops complement Kent State’s broader efforts to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, especially through the Master of Artificial Intelligence degree in the Computer Science department. The university provides advanced resources, like the OSC’s Ascend cluster, for students working on complex AI projects, ensuring they’re workforce-ready. As a participant, you benefit from institutional support, with the Center for Teaching and Learning organizing these events and collaborating across campus to integrate AI into various disciplines. This initiative reflects Kent State’s commitment to leading in tech-driven education, preparing you and your students for a future shaped by AI innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Specific AI Tools Will Students Learn to Use?
You’ll learn to use AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for generating content, assessments, and summaries, and AI platforms for creating images and visuals. You’ll also explore deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras for neural network projects. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on experience with AI applications in industries like construction and urban management, using tools that enhance scheduling, safety, and sustainability efforts.
Are These Workshops Suitable for Beginners With No Coding Experience?
Yes, these workshops are perfect for beginners with no coding experience. You don’t need any technical background to participate, as the sessions focus on fundamental concepts and practical applications of AI. You’ll engage with interactive examples, ask questions, and try out AI tools without feeling intimidated. The courses are designed to build your confidence and understanding, making AI accessible and approachable for everyone, regardless of your technical skills.
How Long Is Each Workshop Session?
You might be curious about how long each workshop lasts, and you’ll be pleased to know they’re quite flexible. The mini AI-playground sessions are just 30 minutes, perfect for quick, practical learning. If you’re looking for a deeper dive, the longer workshops span 60 to 90 minutes, covering broader topics like AI policy and responsible use. Whether short or extended, these sessions fit into your schedule and boost your AI skills efficiently.
Is There a Certification Awarded Upon Completion?
No, there isn’t a formal certification awarded upon completing Kent State’s AI workshops. However, if you finish a workshop, you can earn the AI-Ready Educator Recognition from the Center for Teaching and Learning, which acknowledges your preparedness and intent to integrate AI into your teaching. Keep in mind, this recognition is not a traditional certificate or academic credit but serves as professional acknowledgment of your efforts.
Are the Workshops Free or Is There a Fee Involved?
You might think these workshops are free, but they’re not. You’ll need to pay a fee of $395 per person to participate, and additional costs could apply if you’re taking them for credit. Registration is required well in advance, and online delivery adds a small extra fee. So, while they’re accessible, these workshops definitely involve costs, making them a valuable investment in your tech skills.
Conclusion
As you walk through the campus, it’s no coincidence that Kent State’s new AI workshops are shaping future innovators. You might find yourself inspired by students just like you, discovering their passion for technology. Maybe, someday soon, you’ll be the one creating the next big breakthrough. It’s a reminder that when opportunity meets preparation, extraordinary things happen—you’re right at the heart of that exciting moment.
Hanna is the Editor in Chief at AI Smasher and is deeply passionate about AI and technology journalism. With a computer science background and a talent for storytelling, she effectively communicates complex AI topics to a broad audience. Committed to high editorial standards, Hanna also mentors young tech journalists. Outside her role, she stays updated in the AI field by attending conferences and engaging in think tanks. Hanna is open to connections.
