Navigating the AI Revolution: NAU’s New Courses Focus on Practical and Human-Centric Applications
As artificial intelligence continues to transform various facets of daily life, Northern Arizona University (NAU) is offering new courses designed to enhance AI literacy among students and professionals. This summer, the university is launching four courses that focus on the practical, human-centered application of AI, reflecting the increasing demand for understanding AI beyond the technology sector.
Chih-Hsiung Tu, a professor in the Department of Educational Specialties, highlights the rapid impact of AI on learning, communication, and problem-solving. According to Tu, it is essential not only for people to use AI tools but also to comprehend how AI influences teaching, creativity, accessibility, and decision-making.
“Many students already use AI in daily life, but often without enough understanding of how to use it thoughtfully and responsibly,” Tu stated. “These courses are designed to help students become more confident, reflective, and human-centered users of AI. We also hope students become lifelong learners and thoughtful AI collaborators who can work creatively and responsibly with AI in rapidly changing learning and professional environments.”
The aim of these courses is to equip students with practical skills that can be immediately applied in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Tu hopes that students will learn to integrate AI in a way that enhances human development and critical thinking, rather than simply replacing human cognition.
“The courses emphasize creativity, critical thinking, accessibility, human-centered learning, and collaboration with AI tools,” Tu explained. “Students will move beyond simply using AI tools. They will learn how to work with AI, evaluate AI outputs, manage AI-supported workflows, and apply AI responsibly in learning and professional contexts.”
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, these classes may be particularly beneficial for those pursuing careers in education, instructional design, business, communication, leadership, technology, training, healthcare, and professional development.
AI for Master Learners explores the potential of using AI as a thinking partner; Learning Science and Analytics examines how learning data can enhance decision-making and learning experiences; Designing Digital UDL focuses on creating inclusive and accessible digital learning environments; and Microlearning Design with Technology addresses the creation of concise, targeted learning experiences for modern learners.
“These courses are not only about technology,” Tu noted. “They are also about people. We are trying to help students think about how AI can support learning, accessibility, inclusion, collaboration, and human growth in thoughtful and responsible ways. In that sense, AI should not only make work faster, but it should also help us design learning experiences that connect people and support participation.”
For more information about these courses, visit the Educational Technology AI Institute website.
Editor’s note: The featured image is generated by AI.
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