Introduction
You know that moment when you’re staring at a blank lesson plan, trying to align outcomes, assessments, and engagement strategies—all before your first cup of coffee? Imagine if you had a digital co-planner sitting beside you.
That’s the promise of “Using Generative AI for Learning Design Activities,” a hands-on course offered by SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera.
Created by University of Michigan instructors Chris Quintana and Dr. Rebecca Quintana, this 5-hour course helps teachers use generative AI (like ChatGPT) to brainstorm, draft, and refine lesson designs—without losing the creativity and empathy that make great teaching possible.
You’ll go from AI-curious to AI-capable in just four short modules—learning to turn technology into your creative teaching partner.
Why This Course Matters
AI isn’t just a tech trend—it’s becoming a creative partner in education. Teachers across the country are discovering that generative AI can save time, spark creativity, and enhance student-centered design.
But without guidance, it can feel overwhelming or risky. This course changes that. It introduces AI in a safe, structured way, helping educators:
- Understand how AI thinks (and where it needs guidance).
- Practice ethical, effective prompting.
- Turn AI into a planning partner that accelerates creativity, not replaces it.
This is especially valuable for teachers managing multiple preps or working in resource-limited schools. You’ll walk away with repeatable frameworks you can use with ChatGPT or similar tools, helping you:
- Write clear and measurable outcomes.
- Build course outlines and rubrics faster.
- Evaluate your own course design for equity and engagement.
What You’ll Learn (Module-by-Module Breakdown)
Module 1 – Understanding Generative AI in Learning Design
Explore how AI supports lesson design through brainstorming, content creation, and alignment with standards—plus key insights on using AI responsibly in education.
Module 2 – Drafting Learning Outcomes and Objectives with AI
Learn to write measurable, student-centered outcomes and link them to assessments quickly and effectively using AI tools.
Module 3 – Brainstorming and Aligning Course Activities
Collaborate with AI to generate engaging lessons and projects, then refine them to meet diverse learning needs and goals.
Module 4 – Designing, Testing, and Sharing Your AI Experiment
Apply what you’ve learned in a short design experiment—plan, test, and reflect on AI-supported strategies you can bring directly into your classroom.
Course at a Glance:
- Length: ~5 hours to complete (flexible schedule)
- Level: Beginner — no AI experience required
- Modules: 4 learning units + 3 practice assignments
- Instructors: Chris Quintana and Dr. Rebecca Quintana, University of Michigan
- Certificate: Shareable professional development credential
Real-World Impact for Teachers
Picture this: You’re planning a new literacy unit and want to engage students through project-based learning. Using what you learn in this course, you can ask ChatGPT to generate thematic project ideas, draft differentiated rubrics, or even simulate student responses to refine your approach.
For one teacher in my district, that kind of support meant reclaiming two hours a week—time she now spends on feedback and relationship-building instead of formatting objectives.
Generative AI doesn’t replace the art of teaching—it enhances it. This course helps you become a designer who collaborates with technology to craft meaningful learning experiences.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Course
SchoolDay Academy is dedicated to helping educators thrive with affordable, flexible, and safe AI-powered professional development.
This course stands out because it:
- Is part of the Generative AI as a Learning Design Partner Specialization — approved for 15 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) in Michigan.
- Aligns with SDA’s mission to make AI literacy accessible for every teacher.
- Provides a shareable certificate you can add to your professional growth portfolio.
- Is included in the SchoolDay Academy annual subscription — just $149 per user, giving teachers unlimited access to hundreds of curated, K–12–specific courses and certificates, with district bulk discounts as low as $100 per user.
By curating Coursera’s best educator content, SchoolDay Academy ensures every teacher can explore the future of AI confidently and affordably.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wished lesson planning could be more creative, collaborative, and less time-consuming — this is your moment.
Start learning “Using Generative AI for Learning Design Activities” today on Coursera, offered by SchoolDay Academy.
Gain the confidence to use generative AI as your partner in creating engaging, effective, and equitable learning experiences.