UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State World Campus foundational professional development course for teaching online faculty is getting an update.
Beginning this spring, OL 2000: Essentials of Online Teaching will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time. The addition reflects the growing role AI plays in how faculty design and deliver online learning.
OL 2000 is instructor-led and will be offered starting in April.
The addition is part of a broader commitment by Penn State World Campus Online Faculty Development to prepare instructors for an evolving online teaching landscape.
“As the University moves to a suite of AI tools for all, Online Faculty Development recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for instructors to integrate AI tools into their teaching and design practices,” said Matt Dingo, assistant director for World Campus Online Faculty Development. “At the same time we hope our approach to integrating AI into the curriculum, even in low stakes activities, can serve as a model for others.”
Participants will engage in critical inquiry and low-stakes practice with AI tools, with an emphasis on ethical use, transparency, student privacy, and the human dimensions of teaching.
OL 2000 runs monthly from April through October 2026 and is free and open to all Penn State instructors and staff.
Visit the Online Faculty Development website to learn more about OL 2000 and register for a course.