Everywhere you look, people are talking about AI—how it writes, creates, analyzes, and even teaches. But how much of that talk is actually true?
“Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact,” created by the University of Michigan’s Center for Academic Innovation and offered through SchoolDay Academy (powered by Coursera), cuts through the hype to help educators understand what generative AI really is, how it works, and why it matters.
In just three hours, you’ll learn from University of Michigan experts in communication, law, and data ethics who unpack the real impact of AI—on education, creativity, authorship, and the future of work.
If you’ve ever wondered where AI fits in your classroom or institution, this course gives you the clear, practical foundation every educator needs.
Why This Course Matters
Generative AI has become one of the most influential forces in modern education and work. But with its promise comes complexity—ethical questions, creative possibilities, and policy challenges.
This course offers a foundational understanding of AI that every educator, leader, and student advocate needs. In three hours, you’ll learn how to:
- Understand how generative AI models like ChatGPT actually work.
- Evaluate both the benefits and risks of using AI in education and beyond.
- Explore ethical use, intellectual property implications, and data privacy.
- Recognize how AI is reshaping communication, creativity, and professional skills.
If you’ve ever wanted to confidently join conversations about AI without the technical jargon, this is your starting point.
What You’ll Learn
Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact is a concise, one-module introduction that makes complex ideas simple—and deeply relevant to education.
Module 1 – Understanding Generative AI and Its Global Impact
Learn how large language models work, explore real-world applications of AI, and consider its implications for authorship, ethics, and future regulation. Discover how AI is shaping industries, classrooms, and creative work—and what that means for you as an educator.
Course Details
- Time to Complete: 3 hours (flexible, self-paced)
- Modules: 1 comprehensive module + 4 short assignments
- Certificate: Shareable professional development credential
It’s a fast, foundational course that helps you understand the “why” and “how” of AI’s growing influence across education and society.
Real-World Impact for All Educators
For teachers, this course provides practical insights into using AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly to support creativity, differentiation, and digital citizenship.
For administrators and university leaders, it offers a strategic lens for evaluating how AI affects curriculum, policy, and workforce readiness.
You’ll complete the course with:
- A solid understanding of how AI works and where it’s going.
- Awareness of the ethical and legal issues shaping AI’s future.
- The ability to guide students or staff in responsible AI use.
- Confidence to make informed decisions about AI in your educational setting.
This isn’t about becoming a programmer—it’s about becoming an informed, forward-thinking educator.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Course
At SchoolDay Academy, we believe every educator should have access to world-class AI learning that’s both affordable and approachable.
Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact stands out because it:
- Was created by the University of Michigan’s Center for Academic Innovation, bringing together interdisciplinary experts in ethics, law, and technology.
- Builds a foundational understanding of AI that complements SDA’s other AI learning pathways.
- Helps educators at every level build confidence in using, discussing, and leading with AI.
- Is included in the SchoolDay Academy annual subscription—just $149 per user, offering unlimited access to hundreds of curated, K–12 and higher-ed courses and certificates.
- Offers district and university bulk pricing as low as $100 per user, making it easy to scale AI literacy across entire teams.
SDA makes professional development in emerging technologies accessible, compliant, and transformative—so educators can focus on what matters most: preparing students for the future.
Conclusion
Generative AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. The question for educators is how to use it wisely and well.
Start learning “Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact” today on SchoolDay Academy (powered by Coursera) and gain the knowledge to lead your classroom, department, or institution with confidence in an AI-driven world.
Because understanding AI is now an essential skill for every educator.