The promise of AI is simple: to help you work smarter, not harder. This hands-on course is for professionals ready to integrate generative AI into their daily workflows and reclaim time for more strategic work.
Over six weeks, learners will explore how to write effective prompts, automate repetitive tasks, and evaluate the right tools to enhance productivity in their field. Through interactive exercises, peer collaboration, and real-world scenarios, students will build their own AI-enhanced productivity system, tailored to their professional goals. Whether you need to streamline reports, craft smarter communications, or make better data-driven decisions, this course gives you the tools—and the confidence—to make AI work for you.
Course Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:- write clear and effective prompts to generate high-quality results from AI tools for tasks like summarizing, content creation, and brainstorming.
- design AI-supported workflows to automate routine tasks such as data entry, email drafts, or meeting notes, and enhance workplace efficiency.
- identify and address ethical issues in AI use—bias, data privacy, intellectual property—and apply responsible AI practices in professional contexts.
- compare and evaluate different AI tools based on capabilities, limitations, and integration options to choose the best solution for specific job needs.
- interpret and present AI-generated insights clearly and persuasively to support decision-making and collaboration with both technical and nontechnical colleagues.
Review the curriculum and course details
Course Format
This six-week course blends elements of asynchronous and synchronous components to provide learners with flexibility in project work, while also having face-to-face time with instructors and fellow learners via Zoom.
Each week students will:
- attend one 90-minute Zoom, during which students will participate in discussions and workshop their project with the instructor and peers
- complete three hours of assignments or project work
Students will be graded based on completion of assessed assignments/projects.
FAQ
Do I need to attend all Zoom sessions?
You are encouraged to attend all Zoom sessions of the course. During the live Zoom sessions, you will participate in valuable discussions and workshops that will aid in meeting the course learning objectives.
When is the course open?
The course Canvas site will open on the Wednesday before the first day of the course. All the modules will open on the first day of the course.
How do I successfully complete the course?
You will receive a grade of complete or incomplete based on your demonstration of course learning objectives. Learning objectives are demonstrated by completing assessed projects.
The instructor will assess each learning outcome as “not demonstrated,” or “demonstrated.” Completion of a course means that you have demonstrated achievement of all learning outcomes. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and the certificate of completion for the course will be awarded only if you receive a grade of ‘complete’ for the course.
While participation in Zoom sessions and engagement with other unassessed learning activities do not count towards the final grade, these activities are designed to be an integral part of achieving the course learning outcomes.
If you receive a grade of ‘incomplete’ after turning in an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project once. Please note, receiving a grade of “incomplete” and/or failure to demonstrate a learning outcome will not result in a refund.
When do I need to turn in assignments?
Assessed projects and other learning activities must be submitted on or before the due date, unless specific extensions are granted by the instructor. Instructors may not grant extensions more than two weeks after the course end date.
What happens if I need to resubmit a project?
If you do not successfully demonstrate course learning outcomes in your first attempt on an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project one time. Resubmissions cannot be submitted more than 2 weeks after the original due date.
How can I request accommodations?
The University of Minnesota views disability as an important aspect of diversity and is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all learners. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with learners who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
- If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area such as mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical ability, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UM Twin Cities: 612.626.1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
- If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations, please contact your (access consultant/disability specialist).
- If you need ASL Interpretation Services, please fill out the request form for your class.
Please submit your request for accommodations at least two weeks in advance to guarantee we can accommodate the request.
Additional information is available on the DRC website or reach out by email: [email protected].
Transfer, Refund, and Payment Plan Policies
Transfer policy
You can transfer without additional charge to the next session if you inform CCAPS staff within the first two weeks of class of the need to transfer.
Refund Policy
CCAPS is able to provide partial refunds for the first two weeks of the course. Please see the refund timeline below:
- Before the first day of the course: 100% refund
- 1 - 7 days after start of course: 75% refund
- 8 - 14 days after start of course: 50% refund
- After 15 days: No refund available
Cancellation Policy
In the event CCAPS has to cancel the course due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, we will offer you a transfer to another section of the course or full refund of the course registration fee.
Payment Plan
We now offer an option to pay for courses in two installments. See details.
Please note: This payment option is available for early registrations made 37 days or more before the course begins.
