As artificial intelligence continues to transform education, every educator needs opportunities to build a foundational understanding of AI and how to use it responsibly, regardless of their current experience with the technology. The Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) is excited to collaborate with Microsoft to make foundational AI learning accessible to all educators, regardless of which platform they use.
This opportunity is designed to help teachers and school leaders build the knowledge and skills to use AI thoughtfully and effectively in teaching and learning. Through the AI Literacy Experience, educators will explore AI fundamentals, privacy awareness, bias recognition, human-centered decision making, information verification, and responsible and ethical use of AI before earning a shareable credential through Credly.
Through a free initiative, NCCE is giving educators multiple ways to earn the AI Literacy Credential. Educators can complete a self-paced online course, which takes less than one hour to complete; attend a live 60-minute virtual event hosted by NCCE’s professional learning specialists; or participate in a school- or district-wide professional learning event. At the end of whichever pathway they choose, participants will receive a code to apply for their credential.
The program also creates an opportunity for schools to build AI literacy across their educator communities. When 95% of teachers at a school have earned the credential, the school will receive an additional free 30- or 60-minute professional learning session for staff through NCCE, including a recording for future use. Schools and districts can also unlock recognition opportunities, community engagement activities, and future student-focused resources and activities, helping move responsible AI literacy beyond individual educators and toward a broader schoolwide effort.
“This initiative is about educating the community on AI literacy, because AI is all around us, and there are some misconceptions about it,” said Shannon Davenport, CEO of NCCE. “If we’re able to reach educators, then we should be able to reach students and families to help them understand AI literacy and prepare them for the future.”
This opportunity is available to all educators, regardless of whether they use Microsoft tools. By making foundational AI learning free and accessible, NCCE aims to help schools build a shared foundation for AI readiness while recognizing and celebrating the educators leading the way.
Ready to build your AI literacy? Visit https://ncce.link/WhatsNext to learn more and get started.