Full course description
Course Introduction
GenAI Essential Skills is a self-paced course designed to help all learners, though especially college students, develop practical competencies in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Through interactive modules, participants will learn essential techniques for leveraging GenAI tools effectively — whether for academic research, studying and learning, or professional applications. Topics include prompt engineering, evaluating AI-generated content, ethical considerations, using GenAI for studying and productivity tasks, and more. Each module allows learners to earn a digital badge, demonstrating their proficiency in key GenAI concepts and applications. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the critical thinking and technical skills necessary to engage with GenAI responsibly and productively.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply prompt engineering techniques to generate precise and effective AI responses
- Critically evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy, reliability, and bias.
- Navigate the ethical and practical implications of GenAI in academic and professional settings.
- Utilize GenAI tools for studying, research, productivity, enhancing efficiency in learning and work.
- Implement information literacy strategies to verify AI-generated sources and mitigate misinformation.
Module Topics
This course covers a range of essential topics to help learners develop practical GenAI skills, including:
- Prompt Engineering - Crafting precise prompts to generate accurate and useful AI outputs.
- Evaluating AI-Generated Content - Assessig reliability, credibility, and biases of AI-produced information.
- Ethics and Limitations of GenAI - Understanding responsible AI use, ethical considerations, and potential risks.
- Information Literacy in a GenAI Age - Applying verification strategies and library resources to fact-check AI-generated sources.
- Studying and Learning with GenAI - Using AI tools for note-taking, summarization, and personalized learning support
Additional modules will continue to be developed and added to this course to expand GenAI skills across academic and professional contexts.
About the Experts and Who to Contact with Questions
The content in the GenAI Essential Skills course has been authored by faculty subject matter experts from across Indiana University’s campuses. This collaborative effort ensures that the modules are academically rigorous, interdisciplinary, and applicable to real-world contexts. This project is developed and supported by the Learning Technologies division of University Information Technology Services. For questions or comments about the modules, contact GenAILab@iu.edu.