Generative AI 101

Over the last two years, generative AI technologies have spread widely and rapidly, spurring disruption, opportunity, and change in many aspects of daily life. As part of the teaching mission of the University, we recognize that AI and digital literacies are critical for our students, now and for the future, impacting more than their short-term learning processes. Faculty expertise—in specific fields and as dedicated instructors—is one of our most powerful tools to help students understand and explore the limits and possibilities of generative AI. 

The University’s new Generative AI 101 program, sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Northwestern IT, seeks to:  

• Increase AI literacy by supporting Northwestern instructors and students in expanding understanding, hands-on experience, and critical thinking skills around generative AI.  

• Build community by connecting Northwestern instructors with others to build a cross-disciplinary network of educators. 

• Create and share materials and resources instructors and students need to expand generative AI literacy and experience.  

The first cohort received more than 160 applications and accepted 23 instructors to participate in the six-week program in Winter 2025. Participants came from 11 different schools with academic interests ranging from data science and statistics to dance and art history. Participants in the program have created innovative assignments that leverage generative AI tools as learning supports. They have also developed strategies for talking with students about the ethics of AI technologies and thinking critically about when – and when not – to utilize them. More than 70 additional instructors will join future iterations of the program in May and June. 

All of us have a role to play in contributing to a future of AI use that is more ethical, and Northwestern’s teaching community is facing this challenge head-on.