Universities of Wisconsin, UW Credit Union launch seven free online courses on AI

The Universities of Wisconsin and UW Credit Union today announced the launch of a new free short-form online video series designed to introduce Wisconsinites to the basics of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The free series, the AI Skills Access Passport, or ASAP, is an accessible guide to AI that teaches participants how AI works and how it might show up in their daily lives. It is targeted to adult learners with a basic familiarity with AI who are curious about the technological changes underway across schools, universities, businesses, and government agencies.

"As the Universities of Wisconsin look to prioritize AI education, through dedicated majors, AI-literacy integration, focused AI faculty talent recruitment and industry partnerships, we also want to do our part to extend that knowledge outward - to provide all Wisconsinites with a foundational knowledge about AI that they can choose to build on," said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. "This learning opportunity is another example of how the Universities of Wisconsin serve the state."

These free online learning sessions are available now and can be found at wisconsin.edu/asap.

The online course consists of seven concise videos, each approximately two minutes long, that explain what artificial intelligence is, how it is currently being used, and the opportunities and challenges it presents. The series is intended as an accessible entry point for anyone seeking to understand this fast-developing technology.

"Helping our community better understand Artificial Intelligence and how best to use it is the embodiment of the Wisconsin idea, in which we use our resources and expertise to help the state of Wisconsin," said UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Manohar Singh. "Here at UW-Oshkosh, we have been looking at ways to better integrate Artificial Intelligence across our enterprise-and we hope the AI Skills Access Passport can serve as a launching pad for people in our community to seek our more knowledge."

Sponsored by UW Credit Union, the video series is hosted on a Universities of Wisconsin website that also serves as a statewide gateway to additional AI courses, programs, and educational resources available across Wisconsin's 13 public universities.

"UW Credit Union's commitment to building economic mobility extends well beyond financial services," said Director of Financial Inclusion & Community Engagement at UWCU, Steph Harrill Kyle. "As a strategic partner to the Universities of Wisconsin, we share the goal of building informed, capable, and empowered communities throughout Wisconsin. This free educational resource is for anyone looking to understand how AI works, so that if they choose to use it, they can do so safely and with confidence."

Wayne Resch, branch manager at UW-Oshkosh and Green Bay, offered his welcome to attendees Tuesday morning where the credit union is housed at Reeve Union, saying he is pleased UW Credit Union has partnered with the Universities of Wisconsin on the initiative.

"We hope this partnership with the Universities of Wisconsin will help people across Wisconsin develop a better understanding of the technological change happening all around us and be able to approach it safely and confidently."

The course was developed by the Universities of Wisconsin's Office of Online and Professional Learning Resources with assistance from Emily Laird, AI Integration Technologist at UW-Stout.

The courses, Laird said, offer a basic understanding of AI and its application in daily lives. Each of the seven sessions, she noted, can be completed in about two minutes. The courses provide a general overview of AI and are designed for Wisconsinites who have a limited understanding of the emerging technology but are curious to learn.

"AI will influence every sector and every community, regardless of age or background," Laird said. "ASAP provides the shared foundation people need to use AI safely and confidently, helping build a stronger, more prepared state."