Artificial intelligence is transforming how students learn, think and create — and Indiana University is helping lead that transformation. This fall, IU launched GenAI 101, a free online course designed to teach students, faculty and staff how to use Generative AI across disciplines.
This course was developed by IU Bloomington Professor and Chairperson of the Virtual Advanced Business Technologies Department, Brian Williams and Professor and Associate Vice President of Learning Technologies, Anne Todd Leftwich and more than 40 IU contributors.
"In just 66 days, the team turned an idea into a systemwide program that’s already reaching more than 30,000 learners," said Williams. "GENAI 101 is a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration."
Building a course for everyone
This course was created in response to growing employer demand for graduates who understand how to effectively use AI. Williams, who teaches multiple AI-focused courses at Indiana University, said the goal was to make the material relevant for students across every major and academic level.
"We wanted to respond quickly but thoughtfully — building something practical, hands-on and accessible for all students. Each short, interactive module builds confidence and understanding through applied practice," he said.
Learning with balance and purpose
One of the most important lessons students gain from the course is how to use AI thoughtfully while keeping human judgment at the center of decision-making.
"Generative AI can make things sound beautiful, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right," added Williams. "Students need to understand both its strengths and limitations. Humans still bring context, ethics and creativity that no algorithm can replace."
Real-world creativity in action
Since its launch, students have found creative ways to use AI beyond academics. Some have applied it to business projects, internships and entrepreneurial endeavors, exploring how technology can help manage daily tasks or strengthen communication. "It’s about helping them use technology to improve their own lives," Williams said.
Preparing students for the future
As AI continues to evolve, the course represents a new direction for higher education, one that integrates technology with creativity and ethics. Faculty across IU campuses are also adapting AI concepts into their disciplines, from marketing and design to healthcare and the humanities.
"For IU Indianapolis students, the course offers one of today’s most in-demand skills,” said Williams. "The ability to use AI responsibly, creatively and collaboratively in their future careers."
GenAI 101 competitions to bring AI to campus life
To help students engage with GenAI 101 in a fun and interactive way, Student Affairs is hosting two campus competitions now through November.
The AI-mazing Race: Dash to Dinner
A collaboration between the Housing and Residence Life and the GenAI 101 team, this friendly competition invites resident halls to complete the free, self-paced online course. The hall with the most students who finish the course by Sunday, Nov. 30, will win a catered dinner for their residents.
The AI-mazing Race: Student Org Edition
Student organizations are encouraged to join the challenge and rally their members to complete the course. The student orgs with the highest course completion rate will be entered in a drawing to win a grant for a spring event.
Both challenges aim to make AI learning engaging and community-driven, connecting students with technology while building creativity and teamwork.