AI in Higher Education
Engage with experts and colleagues to understand how to use AI in Higher Education to improve teaching and learning in the postsecondary classroom to scaffold instruction.
Course Overview
No matter what they teach, every educator has asked themselves the same question in the last few years: how does generative AI impact my class and can it help me improve instruction?
Instructors must address the tension created by this new digital technology, determining when its use supports learning authentically and when it undermines necessary skill building for their students. They and their students need essential AI literacy.
The UCI School of Education's Digital Learning Lab has created a three-unit course to provide higher education instructors and those supporting instruction (e.g., instructional designers) a foundational understanding of generative AI, its affordances and limitations, and essential aspects of AI literacy as they relate to teaching and learning in postsecondary environments.
Class Meeting Times
Dates
June 2 - August 4, 2026
Time
Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 PM PST
Format
Synchronous via Zoom
Price
$750
Course Requirements
Prerequisites
No prior coding or computer science experience required. This program is designed for educators at all levels of technical experience.
Materials Needed
- A computer with an internet connection, microphone and webcam
- Articles and resources will be provided
What You'll Learn
This course introduces how artificial intelligence—especially generative AI—is being used to support teaching and learning. You'll learn key concepts and practical strategies for using AI thoughtfully, effectively, and responsibly in real educational settings.
Build a Digital Portfolio
Throughout the term, you'll build a digital portfolio featuring concrete examples and a final project aligned with your professional interests.
Evaluate AI Tools Critically
By the end, you'll be able to evaluate AI tools critically and design meaningful, accessible learning experiences that make smart use of them.
Hands-On Learning & Collaboration
Design AI-enhanced learning resources tailored to your own teaching contexts, while benefiting from feedback and collaboration within a diverse educational community.
The course will focus on using generative AI to scaffold, rather than off-load, learning and center the human's role in the process.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explain key AI concepts and ethical issues to multiple audiences using clear, accessible formats.
Evaluate AI tools for teaching and learning, including their affordances, limitations, and ethical implications.
Apply AI tools to support their own teaching, learning, or administrative workflows.
Use effective strategies to teach AI concepts in engaging, responsible ways.
Create an AI-infused lesson tailored to their own students and subject area.
Improve lessons through feedback and collaboration with other educators.
Why This Program
Designed specifically for higher education instructors and those who support them, this program offers:
Practical and Actionable Focus
Apply what you learn immediately to your teaching practice.
Research-Based Curriculum
Integrates evolving best practices grounded in educational research.
Focus on Ethics and Equity
Support all students as learners with thoughtful, inclusive approaches.
Personalized and Differentiated Learning
Tailored to your specific teaching context and student needs.
Hands-On AI Tool Exploration
Create authentic projects like lessons, rubrics, and AI tools.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
Higher Education Instructors
Faculty and lecturers teaching at colleges and universities
Instructional Support Staff
Instructional designers, faculty development staff, and educational technology specialists
Ready to Get Started?
Join us for Summer 2026 and transform how you integrate AI into your higher education teaching practice.
Questions? Contact Tamara Tate at [email protected]