Mid Sweden University

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have the potential to transform personal, social, and professional activities, including education. Education spans various sectors: K-12, higher education, lifelong learning, and workplace training. It intersects with other fields that are deeply involved in AI research and study. According to published literature, AI in education encompasses both the use of AI to enhance learning experiences and training on the broad applications of traditional and generative AI. In summary, appropriate education on the application of AI across fields and disciplines is essential.

A Master of Education credit-based seminar course was offered online at a large, publicly-funded university in North America. Participants engaged with scholarly readings, discussions, presentations, and written assignments. Their essays covered topics such as instructor support for and with AI, AI-generated images and audio in universal design for learning, and AI for language learning. At the course's completion, participants reported a clearer vision of AI tool use in the classroom and strategies for overcoming potential disruptions or losses.

In connection with this course, an open, nationwide distance course was offered at a publicly funded university in Sweden: "Artificial Intelligence - Theories and Applications for Education and Work-life," a 7.5 ECTS introductory course. The course comprised four main sections: 1) The history of Artificial Intelligence, 2) Artificial Intelligence in education, 3) Multimodal AI, and 4) Discussion webinars as knowledge cafés. Participant essays covered topics such as guidelines for AI use in different educational contexts, assessment and detection software, ethical aspects of AI-generated images, and a SWOT analysis of AI in education. Preliminary course evaluations indicated that the mix of AI theory and practical applications was appreciated, but group work and the concept of communities of practice were challenging to establish in an online course with many participants working full-time. The needs of adult learners studying at a distance remain the same when using and studying AI.