Syllabus: AI Tools for Higher-Ed Staff Professionals

Learn some of the basics about Artificial Intelligence tools, what they are and when, why, and how to use them. Participants will apply the knowledge gained to evaluate gAI tools for relevance to professional tasks, develop effective prompts for generating outputs using gAI tools, and discuss critical issues related to ethical and responsible use of AI in the workplace.

This course is 3–weeks in length, asynchronous, and there is a structured course schedule with due dates that must be followed. While you can move ahead with the course modules and assignments, you are expected to follow the due dates as outlined in the schedule as peer–to–peer collaboration are integral components of all the courses. Preview Week “Start Here” Module will open. Week 1 Module 1 will open on Monday when the course launches, Week 2 Modules 2 & 3 will open on Saturday of Week 1, and Week 3 Modules 4 & 5 will open on Saturday of Week 2. It is expected that you will need to work on weekends to keep pace with the course due dates. If you fall behind, you must contact the facilitator as soon as possible to make arrangements to catch up.

Finally, while this course is 3 weeks in length and asynchronous, and there is a suggested course schedule with due dates, if you do not log into the course and participate in the Start Here Activity and Module 1 by the end of day 7 you will be removed from the course on Monday of Week 2. Additionally, if you do not complete modules 1-3by the end of week 2 , you will be removed from the course on Monday of Week 3, as peer–to–peer collaboration are integral components of all the courses.

• Explain key concepts and concerns related to generative AI (gAI) and its potential applications in the workplace.
• Evaluate available gAI tools for relevance to professional tasks.
• Identify specific areas where gAI could be applied to streamline workflows or address challenges.
• Develop effective prompts for generating relevant and high-quality outputs using gAI tools.
• Discuss critical issues related to ethical and responsible use of AI in the workplace.
• Critically assess the quality and reliability of AI-generated outputs for use.

During the next three weeks, there are three opportunities to attend optional synchronous office hour sessions. The specific dates and times for these optional sessions will be posted in the Optional Zoom Sessions area located in the Course Resources section of the course.

We look forward to working with each of you and getting to know you throughout this learning experience. In your Canvas course, please see the Facilitator Bio Page (Start Here Section) and Welcome Video on the course homepage to learn more about your facilitator.

None

• 21 days
• Approximately 5–7 hours per week (more if revisions are required).

Course Access Support: Please contact ocs@calstate.edu.

General Questions: Please use the Question Cafe forum and that way your peers will also see the message.

All faculty and staff participating in the Online Course Services (OCS) QLT training are expected to pursue honesty and integrity in all aspects of their academic work. Plagiarism includes posting others’ ideas as one’s own and copying and pasting verbiage from course materials or lessons without citing the source. Collaboration is encouraged with colleagues, but you must still each submit your own original work. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will be handled on a case–by–case basis.

It is our intent that learners from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that the diversity that learners bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. It is our intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let us know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. If you experience disrespect or discrimination in this class, please report your experiences to ocs@calstate.edu and your course facilitator. Anything shared privately will be confidential. Learn more about CSU Commitment to Inclusive Excellence.

It is our goal that this class be an inclusive and welcoming experience for all students, including those with disabilities that may impact learning in this class. If anyone believes the design of this course poses barriers to effectively participate and/or demonstrate learning in this course, please contact ocs@calstate.edu to discuss reasonable accommodations.

Keep the following guidelines in mind as you voice your opinion and personal thoughts:

• Identify yourself by your real name. Be mindful of your personal safety, and avoid including personal information, such as phone numbers or addresses, in discussion forums. All online communications should be transmitted with the intent to inform, inspire, etc.—not to offend or breach personal privacy. Never use private information about other individuals and be sensitive to the information you share about yourself.
• Write in the first person (this is your opinion).
• Use humor, joking, or sarcasm with caution. We often rely on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions to communicate joking or sarcasm, but these cues are not always clear in an online environment. These cues can be simulated with emoticons to reduce misunderstandings.
• What you write is public—respect your audience and be mindful of proper netiquette. Netiquette, also known as ‘net etiquette,’ includes using language free of profanity, proper tone, and mechanics (including full sentences), as well as courtesy and respect for others’ opinions. Instructors may interpret breaches of netiquette as “disruptive behavior.”
• Be Professional, Clear and Respectful. Clear and effective writing translates to clear and effective communication. Writing the way, you would speak is a good rule of thumb, use a positive tone and adhere to the same rules you would follow in face–to–face communications.
• Read and Formulate Communications Carefully. Take the time to think about the information contained in all your online communications. This will allow you to thoughtfully consider all points, reduce confusion and prepare you for a valid response. You can in return, research your facts and provide citations for information stated in your communications. This promotes a robust academic environment and adds credibility to any course. Re–read all communications before sending to avoid emotional and or “all capital letter” statements and keep communications meaningful and to the point.
• Be Tolerant and Cooperative. Keep in mind that every student is participating to learn, and anyone can make a simple mistake in research, knowledge, or communication. Address the idea/concept, not the person. Keep an open mind and focus on the task at hand—learning. When adverse conditions arise, and communications get strained—try to help rather than hinder. True cooperation means working together to the same end—everyone wants to be successful in any given course.
• Remember This Course is Online. Your instructor and fellow students may be located around the world or have very different schedules than you do. You may not always receive an immediate response. Make sure you plan for this and don’t put things off until the last moment.
• Use Proper Headings and Subject Lines. Emails and Discussion Forum topics should have subject lines that reflect the content of your message. “My Week 1 Reflections” is better than “submission” and “Week 3 Reading is Missing” is better than “Help!” Provide Context for Your Responses. If you are sending a reply to a message or a posting to be sure you summarize the original at the top of the message or include just enough text of the original to give a context. This will make sure readers understand when they start to read your response. Giving context helps everyone.
• Provide Enough Detail in Your Messages. When asking for help, either from your instructor or from technical support, be sure to provide as much information as possible in order to help resolve the issue. Make sure to include the course name and activity name, what you were attempting to do, the full text of error messages and your browser/version information (if a technical issue), a screenshot displaying the problem, and any other relevant information. It may take a little more time up-front to compose your question, but it can help to eliminate some of the back-and-forth communication.

• Email is the fastest way to reach your facilitator.  
• We will respond to your inquiries within 24 hours.
• If you don't hear from your facilitators within 24 hours, assume s/he did not receive your message (issues do occur with technology!) and make contact again.
• The grading of activities will be completed within 48 hours after submission. Facilitators are following the suggested course schedule with due dates and if you are working too far ahead of schedule, you may not receive feedback until closer when the assignment is due.
• Assignments are graded as they are submitted, and the facilitators will go back through to make sure that all points are added as replies are posted to the discussions. Please try to add your replies as you complete each assignment.
• Remember to use the "Question Cafe" forum to post information your peers may be able to answer for you.

• This is a fast-paced course that requires regular engagement throughout all three weeks.
• Ensure you have approximately 5-7 hours per week to spend on this course.
• Review the assignments on the “M# Overview and To-Do List” and print it out for easy reference as you complete each task.
• You are expected to plan your study time around the course schedule and recommended completion dates.
• Preview Week Module “Start Here” will open. Week 1 Module 1 will open on Monday when the course launches, Week 2 Module 2 & 3 will open on Saturday of Week 1, and Week 3 Modules 4 & 5 will open on Saturday of Week 2. It is expected that you will need to work on weekends to keep pace with the course due date
• It is expected that all assignments will be submitted by 11:59 on the last day of the course unless prior arrangements have been made with the facilitators.
• Check your email account regularly for updated information. Use e-mail for private messages to the instructor and other students. The “Question Cafe” and discussion forum is for public messages. Emails sent will be answered within 24 hours.
• If you have questions or confusion about an assignment, act promptly! Check the Question Cafe to see if your concern has been addressed already and post your question there if you don't see an answer.
• We are human and sometimes links or other pages need updating or become inactive.
• Read directions carefully.
• In addition to initial responses on the discussion forums, participants are required to provide insightful feedback to at least one peer. Try to reply to someone who does not already have a reply to ensure replies for all.  
• Take the student Online Readiness Survey This link will take you to an external website in a new tab. if you feel concerned about your ability to take this course.

The following will technical skills significantly contribute to your success in this online class:

●    Competency with file management (for example, creating a folder on your desktop, moving files from one location to another, finding a saved file)
●    Internet navigation skills
●    Download plug-ins from the Internet
●    Using a current and stable internet browser
●    Send and receive email
●    Competency using a Learning Management System
●    Competency using a microphone and webcam for video creation
●    Create, save, submit documents using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Google Docs and Slides
●    Toggle between two open software applications on your computer
●    Take screenshots
●    Copy text from a word processing program and paste them into another program

The following attributes will significantly contribute to your success in this online class:

●    A positive attitude towards technology
●    An open mind towards online education
●    Willingness to share your experiences and collaborate with others
●    Strong writing skills are needed for expressing yourself in the discussion area
●    Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for when you "get stuck"
●    Resourcefulness - don't be afraid to click on links and explore and ask questions
●    Self-directed with strong time management skills (able to meet specified course deadlines)

Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements. Please read the Canvas Computer and Supported Browser Requirements This link will take you to an external website in a new tab. and refer to this page if you have browser issues. In some cases, clearing the browser cache (which stores copies of web pages) allows the pages to load faster. Learn how to clear your browser cache on a Mac This link will take you to an external website in a new tab.or a PC This link will take you to an external website in a new tab..

Canvas is fully functional on many types of smartphones and tablets. Compatible devices include platforms such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android. However, it is recommended that you do not solely rely on one of these devices to complete your online coursework. Access to a computer is still needed for many online activities. Visit the Mobile section of the Canvas Guides This link will take you to an external website in a new tab. website for more information. Once you have downloaded the Canvas Mobile App and are prompted to Find My School, search for: csuco.instructure.com.

This fully online course is designed using asynchronous activities, assignments, discussions, and assessments. The course will make use of the Canvas Learning Management System tools. 

Please be sure to read all the lessons and documents in the course so that youhave the necessary information to complete the required activities.

Participants who successfully complete ninety percent (90%) of the total points will earn a certificate and digital badge. Once all completed assignments are graded, and you have a score of at least 90%, you can access your  Certificates and Digital Badge by going to "Credentials" in the left main navigation menu of the course.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will earn a Course Completion Certificate and Digital Badge. CSU Online Course Services issues its Digital Badges through Badgr.com. To claim your Digital Badge and Certificate, you must have a Badgr.com This link will take you to an external website in a new tab. account. 

If you do not have a Badgr account, pleasego to https://badgr.com/auth/signup This link will take you to an external website in a new tab. and enter your email address to create one now using the same email address you use with your CSU Online Course Services QLT course and Canvas login. Your QLT Digital Badge is associated with this email address, so please create an account so you can accept your credential at the end of the workshop. If you already have a Badgr account that uses an email address other than the one associated with your QLT course account, please read “Managing Your Badgr Account This link will take you to an external website in a new tab.” and follow the instructions to add the email address associated with your CSU Online Course Services QLT course account to your Badgr account.

Use the Course Schedule to guide your completion of the modules with the recommended
completion days of the course:

Note: MO stands for Module Level Objective. CO stands for Course Level Objective. Each module-level objective has the associated course-level objective indicated in parentheses at the end, reflecting their alignment. You will find module-level objectives and course-level objectives within each course module.

Week One

Start Here:  Meet Your Peers (50 points)
Module 1:   AI In Your Field (100 points)

Week Two

Module 2:  Understanding AI Basics (100 points)
Module 2: Let's Give AI a Try with Notebook LM (100 points)
Module 3: Generative AI Guided Practice Exercises (200 points)

Week Three

Module 4: Ethical and Responsible Use Colleague Discussion (100 points)
Module 4: CSU AI Initiative (100 points)
Module 5: Final AI Creations (150 points)
Module 5: The Road Ahead (100 points)