Course | AI Essentials for Educators

Prices

Original price: NZ$821(including GST where applicable).

The price listed is for the international learners. An additional pricing option is available for this course at NZ$395 (including GST where applicable) for domestic learners (NZ).

For further information, please visit University of Canterbury website.

Overview

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools become widespread, educators must learn how to make the best use of AI in their teaching and learning, to boost effectiveness and efficiencies – and keep up with their students!

There’s a lot to get to grips with, which is why the University of Canterbury academic experts are here to help you demystify the use of AI. In this short course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of how AI works and explore how you can harness the latest innovations in AI and generative AI to support you in your teaching practice.

This course is designed to be hands-on, giving you a starting point to explore a range of AI tools, learn how to use them and implement appropriate safety measures, and to explore how generative AI can be used in your own context.

Explore the essentials of AI for educators and build your confidence in using generative AI tools in your teaching in just 20 hours.

What You'll Learn

• Fundamental AI concepts for educators
• Types of AI tools and examples of common generative AI tools that are useful for educators
• How to evaluate the implications of using large language models (LLMs) in education

This course aims to introduce a fundamental understanding of AI and frame this around how it is impacting learning and assessment. Learners will be introduced to broad concepts around AI and specifically the generative attributes of AI, and become familiar with and confident in using it for teaching and learning.

This course is ideal for:

• Primary and pre-primary teachers
• Intermediate and secondary teachers
• Tertiary lecturers and educators
• Leaders in education

Availability

1 June 2026
13 July 2026
17 August 2026
29 September 2026

*For the best learning experience, the University of Canterbury recommends 5 hours of study per week over 4 weeks. Learning must be completed within 2 months.

Duration: 20 hours.

Empower your teaching with artificial intelligence and gain confidence using the latest AI tools for teachers. Designed for educators at all levels, this course helps you harness AI’s potential to future-proof your teaching.

Facilitators

1. Dr Kathryn MacCallum
Associate Professor, Digital Education Futures, University of Canterbury, School of Leadership and Professional Practice in Education
Kathryn MacCallum is an Associate Professor of Digital Education Futures and head of the University of Canterbury’s School of Leadership and Professional Practice in Education.

She’s established a strong research background that focuses on integrating digital tools into a tertiary curriculum.

She’s led and been involved in several research projects that explore the role of technology (and more recently AR and VR) to support learners.

2. Dr David Parsons
Research Director, academyEX, and Adjunct Professor, University of Canterbury
Dr David Parsons has broad international experience in academia and the software industry. He holds a PhD in Information Technology and has research interests in the role of AI and digital technologies in education, agile and lean thinking, curriculum design, and contemporary software development.

He has produced over 200 publications, including several technology-focused books, and has developed and delivered micro-credentials in digital skills for the workplace and software development processes and tools.

Course Outline

The course is divided into three modules you'll work your way through over the learning period. Each module includes specific learning objectives, educational content across a range of media, activities to apply what you've learnt, plus a 'temperature check' survey to make sure you're getting what you need as a learner.

Module 1: Introduction to AI Concepts
Learn about fundamental AI concepts and critically evaluate the implications of using large language models (LLMs) in educational settings.

Module 2: Integrating AI Into Teaching
Identify a range of AI tools that could be used in your classroom for teaching and research. Practise designing effective prompts to support some common activities that educators may engage in when using generative AI.

Module 3: Ethical Implications of GenAI for Teaching
Understand and analyse ethical issues related to the use of generative AI in education and propose policies for its responsible use in teaching and assessment.

Assessments
To complete this course, you need to have attempted all activities and quizzes, as well as the final reflection activity.

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course – it is open to anyone who has confidence listening, reading, and writing in English.

This course is designed for teachers, educators and academics – if you're not a teacher, please contact the University of Canterbury to check if this course is right for you.

Technology Requirements
- The organizer recommends a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection.
- A PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC) to download PDFs with assessment instructions.
- Word processing software (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) to complete your assignments.

Course Fees
Course fees must be paid before learning can begin, either via online credit-card payment, or by contacting the University of Canterbury to request an invoice. Please note: fixed invoice payment dates apply, so it is recommended getting in touch with them as soon as possible to request an invoice, as this option is subject to availability.

Group Discounts
Get your colleagues together to take advantage of the group discounts:
10% for 3 - 6 learners
15% for 7+ learners

Withdrawals and Refunds
Once learning begins, you are eligible for a withdrawal with refund up until the end of day 3. After this date, refunds may be available if your circumstances are exceptional, for example if you've experienced a serious medical event.