Navigating Legal and Ethical Boundaries in the AI Classroom

2 Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Develop Responsible AI Policies and Ethical AI Implementation

This comprehensive course addresses the critical legal and ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence integration in educational settings. Participants will learn to navigate complex privacy laws (FERPA, COPPA), understand data protection requirements, develop responsible AI policies, and create frameworks for ethical AI implementation. The course combines legal expertise with practical classroom applications, providing educators and administrators with the knowledge needed to use AI tools confidently while protecting students and institutions from legal risks. Through real-world case studies and interactive scenarios, participants will develop skills in threat detection, bias mitigation, and stakeholder communication around AI adoption.

Course Details

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

Who Should Attend: K-12 teachers involved in AI implementation decisions, School administrators, district technology coordinators, curriculum directors, instructional technology specialists, educational policy makers, school board members, legal compliance officers, and professional development coordinators.

Course Materials:  No textbook requirement.

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Evaluate and implement legally compliant AI policies and procedures that protect student data privacy while enabling effective educational technology use
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal and ethical risks associated with AI tool adoption in educational settings
  • Develop stakeholder communication strategies and frameworks for responsible AI integration that address parent concerns and community trust
  • Build a working knowledge of best practices when implementing AI tools and pedagogy with students

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.

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.

Key Benefits of Educator Courses

A World of Choices

With hundreds of courses across a range of education-related topics, there’s a strong chance we have the ideal class for you!

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world educators are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.