Center for Civil Digital Society, AI Micro Learning Courses

Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Coming Fall 2025 - Free AI Micro Learning

This series of micro learning courses will be free learning experiences for USD faculty, staff, students and community members interested in learning more about AI. Our initiatives focus on digital literacy, ethical data practices and advocating for responsible use of data and AI systems. We aim to create a community of informed digital citizens who are equipped to contribute positively to the digital world.

Course Details

Who Should Attend: Business professionals in HR, Marketing, Talent Development interested in learning how AI will impact their industry. K-12 Educators, Faculty and higher ed admin who want to understand how AI will impact education.

Cost: There is no cost associated with the course for the student. Students will purchase for $0 from the PCE website.

Upon Completion: Students will receive a Canvas Badge upon successful completion - Badges may be shared via socials. 

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

Students will be able to:

  • Develop Foundational AI Literacy and Technical Understanding
    • Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) principles, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and their underlying mechanics.
    • They will explore the role of AI in various domains, with a focus on the ethical, technical, and practical implications of AI-generated content.
  • Evaluate the Impact of AI on Education and Pedagogy
    • Learners will critically analyze the effects of AI on grading, pedagogy, and student learning outcomes, considering issues such as bias, equity, and accessibility.
    • They will assess how AI can be integrated into curricula and educational practices while maintaining fairness and academic integrity.
  • Apply AI Insights to Social and Institutional Contexts
    • Learners will examine the broader societal and institutional challenges posed by AI, particularly in higher education and professional settings.
    • They will explore the intersection of AI, social class disparities, and cultural mismatches in education and workplaces, fostering informed discussions on technology’s role in shaping the future of learning and work.

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.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

High-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

Career advancing certificates

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.

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are similar to online fixed-date courses, but are designed to give you a six-month period from time of enrollment to complete all assignments. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

How is the self-paced course structured? Like fixed-date courses, online self-paced courses are asynchronous meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime; the difference being there are no assigned due dates in self-paced courses. The content is divided into learning modules. Each module will cover one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

  • Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, websites, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
  • Assignments (which may include: written assignments, quizzes, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
  • Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.