What is the Hour of AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already begun to transform how we live, learn, and work— but many people still don’t understand how AI works, what it can and can’t do, or how to use it responsibly and effectively. The Hour of AI is a new global initiative from code.org that aims to demystify artificial intelligence and invites participants to engage in hands-on learning experiences, changing them from passive consumers of AI to confident, informed creators.

At its core, the Hour of AI at GVSU aims to provide a clear, accessible entry point into AI literacy for people of all backgrounds. Using proven tools and ready-to-use materials, trainings, readings, and discussions we encourage exploration of how AI systems are shaped by data, prompts, and human choices, while also examining AI’s social and ethical implications.

This initiative supports GVSU’s Digital Literacy efforts and the institution’s definition of Digital Literacy. Digital Literacy is the ability to use, create, evaluate, and engage critically with digital technologies to complete tasks safely and ethically in professional and civic contexts.

What is the purpose of GVSU’s Hour of AI Week?

GVSU’s Hour of AI Week, planned for the fourth week of January 2026, is a campus-wide effort to:

• Demystify AI in teaching, learning, research, and professional practice
• Give faculty, staff, and students an opportunity to explore AI in a safe, guided way
• Provide department-ready activities that require no prior AI experience
• Strengthen GVSU’s culture of innovation and digital literacy
• Further understanding of AI ethics and foster critical analysis
• Create a common language around AI for the university

This initiative aligns with the national Hour of AI’s goal of making AI learning foundational, not optional, ensuring that our campus community can meaningfully and thoughtfully engage with emerging technologies. GVSU faculty and staff are encouraged to spend at least an hour this week exploring AI individually, as a department, or in class.

Who is leading this initiative?

Hour of AI Week is a partnership between the CLAS Center for Experiential Learning (CCEL), the Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center, the Digital Literacy Initiative, College of Computing, and the GVSU IT Department.

Why does this matter for GVSU?

AI is rapidly reshaping higher education and the workforce. Many educators and staff are still developing clarity on what these tools mean for teaching and learning, daily responsibilities, and student support. A structured, low barrier starting point ensures that:

• Everyone, not just early adopters, can build AI confidence
• Faculty and staff learn responsible and ethical use practices
• Students benefit from more informed, AI-ready instruction and critical perspectives
• Departments collaborate across campus around shared challenges and opportunities

This week-long effort supports a community where faculty, staff, and students can build foundational AI literacy and participate meaningfully in GVSU’s evolving digital learning environment.

What types of activities will happen during Hour of AI Week?

We will provide curated material to use in multiple settings as well as campus-wide events. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Devote a Department meeting to discussing AI. We provide several ready to go activities to support this 
• Devote a class period to AI learning
• Attend a planned University event/training (see list below)
• Individually explore AI using some of the curated library resources
   

Register your Department, Class, or Individual events and commitments to participating in the GVSU Hour of AI below.

Who can participate?

For the first year of Hour of AI Week, we are prioritizing GVSU faculty and staff participation but encourage faculty engagement of students in this event through devoting a class period to AI related discussions or activities. In the following years, we will expand to students and community members.