Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a crucial part of our daily lives, from the way we interact with technology to how businesses operate. Recognizing the importance of AI skills in the modern job market, Sacramento State University is launching a new course aimed at high school students, university students, and anyone interested in learning how to use generative artificial intelligence effectively. The College and Career with AI course, set to begin this fall, will provide students with the opportunity to explore AI’s role as an information aggregator, coach, and counselor in various scenarios.
The course is being offered through Sacramento State’s National Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Society (NIAIS) within the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. Chief AI Officer Sasha Sidorkin, who will be teaching the course, emphasized the importance of creating an AI-positive culture on campus. The goal is to not only educate students on how to work with AI but also to help faculty members understand its potential applications.
The two-unit course will be fully online and will primarily target high school students in the area, as well as Sacramento State students. However, the course is open to anyone interested in learning about AI. Non-students can participate in the course through a free Google Group or earn credits through the College of Continuing Education’s Open University program for a fee.
One of the key aspects of the course is providing students with hands-on experience using AI in real-world situations such as research, problem-solving, and creative projects. The course will utilize a free account through OpenAI’s ChatGPT and will require students to engage in weekly discussion board postings, synchronous class activities, and a final AI-assisted project that showcases their ability to integrate AI into an academic or professional setting.
Sidorkin views AI as an assistive technology that can benefit students facing learning barriers, such as neurological disabilities or language barriers. By familiarizing students with AI and its applications, the course aims to prepare them for higher education and future careers. Sidorkin hopes that the course will eventually evolve into a certificate program or a full degree program, but acknowledges that more research is needed to understand how AI will be adopted by various industries.
Enrolling in the College and Career with AI course can enhance students’ marketability when applying for jobs, as AI skills are increasingly in demand across industries. By providing students with the opportunity to learn about AI in a practical and engaging way, the course aims to equip them with valuable skills for the future job market.
For more information about the College and Career with AI course and how to enroll, interested individuals can visit sacstate.ai. As AI continues to shape the future of technology and work, courses like this one play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals to thrive in an AI-driven world.