Miami’s AI Fundamentals helps give an introduction to an evolving technology
Course is available for free for university faculty, staff, and students
Miami’s AI Fundamentals helps give an introduction to an evolving technology
Course is available for free for university faculty, staff, and students
Hesitant about artificial intelligence? Or maybe looking to take a deeper dive into this emerging technology?
From beginners to those with a bit more advanced knowledge who are eager to learn more, Miami University’s AI Fundamentals course is designed to have something for everyone.
Free to faculty and staff, as well as free for Miami students, AI Fundamentals provides five module topics that allow users to discover these microlearning sessions at their own pace.
AI Fundamentals is also available to the general public for $30.
“It’s a really great introduction to the state of AI right now,” said David Seidl, Miami’s vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “You might call it high-protein content. It is really information packed in an approachable way with short modules you can work through during your morning coffee or over lunch.”
The modules include:
- “What is AI?” with David Cheatham, associate professor of Communication Design
- “AI and Ethics: Considerations for Responsible Usage” with Heidi McKee, professor of English
- “Using AI and Common AI Tools” with Glenn Platt, C. Michael Armstrong Professor of Network Technology and Management
- “AI Prompt/Context Engineering” with John Femiani, professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering
- “Writing and AI” with Mandy Olejnik, assistant Director of Howe Writing Across the Curriculum
Originally released in fall 2025, AI Fundamentals includes a digital badge upon completion that can be added to LinkedIn profiles and resumes.
“AI is actively reshaping how we work, teach, and learn,” said Blake Faulkner, assistant vice president for online learning and professional education. “The AI Fundamentals microlearning series is designed as an introduction to AI, offering practical, bite-sized learnings that demystify these tools and their use. By bridging the gap between technical skills like prompt engineering and crucial human skills like judgment and ethical use, this series provides a foundation for participants to move forward confidently and responsibly in an AI-assisted world. It also helps in identifying areas where you may want or need to dig deeper and learn more.”
Miami faculty experts will help users develop their own toolkits for AI use throughout the series.
Seidl described bringing AI Fundamentals into existence as an “absolute delight.”
“We were able to pick people who are some of our exemplars across campus on AI, and they were able to do something they love,” he said. “This is a moment where AI is changing the world, and we’re giving people a useful primer to it. It’s a big deal in my mind.”
As technology evolves, so will the need to upskill and learn more. “We are bringing the group together to talk about what the next AI microlearning series needs to include to help people in continuing to advance in their AI journey,” Seidl said. “We are going to talk about what we need to do to make it evergreen, because AI moves fast.”