Future-Ready Classrooms: Harnessing Generative AI and EdTech

2 Units
Credit Validation

Course Description

Credit Validation for DoDEA Participants Only

This graduate-level course empowers DoDEA educators and staff to integrate cutting-edge generative AI and educational technology into their professional practices, transforming teaching, learning, and administrative processes. Over eight weeks, participants will explore tools like Perplexity, CoPilot, and other AI-embedded, approved enterprise software to design personalized, data-driven lesson plans, address diverse and transient student populations, and streamline administrative tasks. The course blends theoretical frameworks with hands-on application, emphasizing ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the challenges faced by global and transient learning communities.

Participants will learn to differentiate coursework, analyze student data, and use AI to create engaging multimedia content while adhering to best practices in educational technology. By the end of the course, educators will have developed lesson plans aligned with higher levels of the SAMR model, while non-instructional participants will complete AI-driven projects tailored to their roles. This collaborative and innovative course equips participants with the tools and strategies to lead education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Course Details

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

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for DoDEA Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.
 

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Integrate generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and CoPilot to design engaging lesson plans, differentiate instruction, and enhance administrative tasks
  • Develop student-centered lessons that leverage generative AI and educational technology, incorporating multimedia and interactive components to foster engagement and personalized learning
  • Apply AI tools to analyze student performance data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve teaching strategies and learning outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethical considerations, including data privacy, bias, and responsible AI use, and implement strategies to address these challenges in educational settings
  • Design lessons or professional solutions aligned with the SAMR model that emphasize transformation and innovation through technology integration

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

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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 Fixed-Date

Online fixed-date courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and take assessments by specific deadlines—much like a traditional classroom. The key difference is that while traditional courses are conducted in person at set times and locations, online fixed-date courses allow students to engage remotely, offering more flexibility in where they learn while preserving structure and accountability through fixed timelines.  (Note: Any scheduled Zoom sessions will be outlined on the class schedule.)  These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources.  Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.

How is the learning structured? Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers 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, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).

• Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.

• Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.

• 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.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.