LSU Launches Free AI Literacy Essentials Course

Free course gives beginners the knowledge and skills to navigate AI responsibly in work and everyday life.

BATON ROUGE - Today, LSU launched AI Literacy Essentials, a free online course that provides a general introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it effectively, professionally, and ethically. The course is offered through LSU Online's professional development program and is available now to LSU students, faculty, and staff, and will open to the general public on August 26.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education, business, healthcare, government, and daily life, the ability to understand and use AI effectively is no longer a competitive advantage. It is rapidly becoming a prerequisite for success in nearly every field. AI Literacy Essentials helps participants develop the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate an AI-driven world, regardless of their background or prior experience.

"As Louisiana's flagship university, LSU has a responsibility to lead in emerging areas that will shape our state's future," said Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Provost Joseph Messina. "In line with President Rousse's vision of access and excellence, AI Literacy Essentials provides broad access to foundational AI education and helps prepare students and citizens alike for the opportunities and challenges ahead."

Through short readings, brief videos, and self-check activities, participants will learn more about the following key concepts:

• Foundations of AI
• Responsible and Ethical AI Use
• Academic Integrity & Proper Use in Coursework
• Information Literacy & Verification Skills
• Practical AI Skills for Learning & Work

In response to the growing need for introductory AI guidance for students, faculty, and staff, as identified by Student Government and other campus stakeholders, the Office of Academic Affairs led the initiative to develop a free course. LSU Online, the unit responsible for developing online courses and learning resources, managed the project, with Senior Learning Experience Designer Richelle DeCuir working closely with an interdisciplinary team of faculty experts, listed below, to shape the content:

• Michael Ardoline, Director of Graduate Studies and Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Jacqueline Bach, Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Support Services and Professor, Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education, College of Human Sciences & Education
• Edward Benoit III, Director and Associate Professor, School of Information Studies, College of Human Sciences & Education
• Ibrahim Baggili, Department Chair and Professor, Division of Computer Science & Engineering, College of Engineering
• Jon Cogburn, Department Chair and Professor, Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• James Ghawaly, Assistant Professor, Division of Computer Science & Engineering, College of Engineering, LSU Center for Computation & Technology
• Mahmood Jasim, Assistant Professor, Division of Computer Science & Engineering, College of Engineering
• Dong Lao, Assistant Professor, Division of Computer Science & Engineering, College of Engineering
• Keith Mills, Assistant Professor, Division of Computer Science & Engineering, College of Engineering
• Andrew Schwarz, Professor, Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Systems, E. J. Ourso College of Business

LSU students can complete the course to establish a common foundation in AI literacy as they progress through their degree programs. Faculty can incorporate the resource into their courses to help students develop shared expectations for ethical AI use, academic integrity, information verification, and professional best practices. Beyond campus, educators, employers, libraries, and community organizations can share AI Literacy Essentials with their audiences or use it to support professional development and informed conversations about AI.