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Athens State is pleased to announce that the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) has approved a new undergraduate microcredential in AI-Enhanced Experiential Learning that will begin in Spring 2027.<\/p>\n
The AI-Enhanced Experiential Learning microcredential is a flexible, credit-bearing program designed to equip students across all majors with essential artificial intelligence skills for academic, professional and community settings. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the microcredential addresses growing workforce demands in Alabama while emphasizing the ethical and effective use of AI in real-world applications.<\/p>\n
Through a scaffolded learning experience, students will develop foundational AI literacy while learning to apply AI tools and prompt engineering techniques to career development, research, leadership and real-world projects. Students will also learn to critically evaluate AI-generated content and develop an understanding of ethical considerations, including data privacy, responsible AI use, and academic integrity. By completing hands-on projects, collaborating with institutional and community resources, and reflecting on their experiences, students will gain practical skills they can apply in professional and community settings.<\/p>\n
The microcredential was developed as part of Athens State\u2019s participation in the All In Alabama AI Microcredential Grant, an initiative designed to help Alabama institutions respond to the growing demand for AI competencies and develop industry-aligned credentials that enhance student employability and support the state\u2019s economic development. The initiative is part of the Retail Alabama Initiative administered by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs artificial intelligence continues to transform the workplace, our students need more than an understanding of the technology\u2014they need the ability to use it intentionally, responsibly, and ethically,\u201d said Dr. Katia Maxwell, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Professor of Computer Science. \u201cThis microcredential gives students opportunities to apply AI in meaningful, real-world contexts while teaching them to be intentional about the use of AI as a tool and not a means to an end.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n