AI in Student Support and Engagement

Course Available
2 Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Using Artificial Intelligence to Engage Student Learning

This course is designed to explore the various applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting students and enhancing their engagement in learning activities. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they offer innovative solutions to address students' diverse needs, foster collaboration, and promote AI literacy for future-ready skills

Objectives:

  • Explore AI-driven strategies for enhancing student engagement through gamification and interactive experiences
  • Learn how AI tools can facilitate collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility in educational settings
  • Develop AI literacy in students by teaching ethical considerations, critical thinking, and creativity with AI technologies

Course Details

Number or Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for K-12 educators, instructional designers, education technologists,policymakers, and anyone interested in leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning experiencess. 

Required Materials:

  • You will need access to the Internet.
  • You will need to create or have a ChatGPT, from OpenAI, https://openai.com/chatgpt or Gemini or a similar account

Technical Requirements

Prerequisites: EDU-X758Q, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education is highly recommended, but not required, to be taken prior to taking this course. If enrolling into the certificate we recommend taking the courses in the following order: EDU-X758Q, EDU-X787T, EDU-X788T and EDU-X789T.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDU-X787T – 004 Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317

AI in Student Support and Engagement

Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Jenifer Fazy

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online course.

What You Will Learn

  • Understand AI in Student Support Systems
  • Enhance Student Engagement with AI
  • Facilitate Collaboration and Inclusivity with AI
  • Build AI Literacy in Students
  • Design AI-Enhanced Lesson Plans

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment.  Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

Key differences from traditional classroom methods:

  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.
  • No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
  • Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
  • No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.

Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:

The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:

  • Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
  • Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.

Frequently asked questions

How can AI help students learn better?

AI can analyze student performance data, identify learning gaps, and provide personalized resources to meet individual needs. It can also create interactive and engaging activities, promote collaboration, and help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

How can AI promote inclusivity in the classroom?

AI can provide personalized learning experiences for students with diverse learning needs, including language support, accessibility features, and differentiated instruction.

What skills will I gain from this course?

You will learn to:

  • Apply AI-driven strategies to increase student participation
  • Use gamification and interactive experiences effectively
  • Leverage AI tools to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility
  • Build AI literacy in students
  • Guide students in ethical use, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving with AI technologies
  • Design AI-enhanced lesson plans that integrate these strategies into your classroom or educational setting

Who is this course intended for?

This course is intended for K–12 educators, instructional designers, education technologists, policymakers, and anyone interested in using AI to enhance student support and engagement.

Do I need prior AI experience to take this course?

No prior AI experience is required, though completing Introduction to AI and Education is highly recommended for better context and understanding.

What are the ethical considerations of using AI in schools?

Ethical considerations include protecting student privacy, ensuring data security, avoiding bias in algorithms, maintaining transparency, and ensuring AI complements rather than replaces human decision-making.

Can AI replace human educators?

No. AI is designed to support and enhance teaching and leadership decisions, not replace human educators. It works best as a tool for informed decision-making, personalized learning, and operational efficiency.

What are the prerequisites for this course?

The standalone course does not have strict prerequisites, though it is highly recommended that you first complete Introduction to AI and Education to maximize your understanding. If you are pursuing the AI in Education Certificate, you must first complete Intro to AI and Education.

What type of assignments are included in the course?

Assignments include a combination of written tasks, practical exercises applying AI tools to curriculum design, quizzes, blogs, and a final project or paper that synthesizes your learning into an AI-enhanced lesson plan or student support strategy for your classroom or educational environment.

What type of credit does this course provide?

This is a two-unit graduate-level extension credit course, which documents professional learning but does not automatically count toward a USD master’s degree.

Are there any deadlines to apply or enroll?

There are no application deadlines. Once enrolled, you have 180 days to complete the course at your own pace.

How long does the course take to complete?

As a self-paced course, completion time varies based on your schedule. All assignments must be finished within 180 days from enrollment.

How do I register for the course?

You can register by purchasing the course on this page. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot in the course.

Is there support if I have questions during the course?

Yes. Your instructor provides written feedback on assignments and final projects, and you can reach out to them any time with questions.

What are your registration/drop/refund policies?

Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop, and transfer policies.

What if I can’t get into a course because it is full?

Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.

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