Denton Bobeldyk, associate professor of computing, was faced with a similar and unique challenge when teaching his first semester of AI 201: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. The class consists of both computing and non-computing students. 

“We wanted something that doesn't require any programming or math background,” said Bobeldyk. “The class introduces AI concepts and brings up students’ level of knowledge so they can better have conversations when talking about things like ChatGPT [and other large language learning models] to better understand how they’re working.” 

The class included discussions about how AI works on a computing level and lessons on coding with AI tools, while also considering the ethical implications and inherent biases that come with using the tools. Humans created AI tools, explained Bobeldyk, and humans come with their own inherent biases, so it is important to acknowledge and understand them when working with AI. 

There are no prerequisites for the class, so Bobeldyk hopes that it will be taken by first-year students and sophomores who want to round out their education and understand a vital tool that will likely be used in their future education and careers. 

“I think the appeal is trying to understand things a little bit better,” said Bobeldyk. “For the business major or other non-computing major, being able to have conversations with people who understand AI, to work with or manage them, and understand that language a little bit, will be so important.”