Penn State Launches AI Essentials Course for Students and Staff

Penn State is set to launch two new AI resources for its community this fall, following a summer pilot program for students. The AI Essentials course will be available on Canvas, providing a self-paced online learning experience.

This course will address various topics, including technical knowledge, ethical considerations, and practical applications of AI. While it is not mandatory for all students, some instructors may incorporate it into their courses. The initiative aims to ensure university-wide access to foundational AI literacy.

In addition to the course, Penn State will offer AI Studio, a platform that provides access to multiple AI models, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. This platform is designed to support educational and administrative activities while adhering to responsible AI practices. Users will have monthly usage limits monitored by tokens, which will reflect their engagement with the platform.