By Claire Remsnyder ’27, staff writer
LVC is joining the Google AI for Education Accelerator to offer AI training for LVC students, faculty and staff.
Students have the option to complete two online, free-of-charge AI specializations through Coursera; AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials. Each specialization will be earned by taking 4-5 online courses.
Christine Iannicelli, director of educational technology at LVC, gave some insight into this training.
“The program helps students understand the benefits and limitations of AI and can prepare students for a workforce that may require them to use these tools,” Iannicelli said. “It teaches them how to use Generative AI to assist with idea generation, creating original work, and writing effective prompts.”
The use of AI within college classes is a controversial topic. Some believe AI can be a useful tool within the classroom, while others believe students cannot use it responsibly enough to be trusted with it. Iannicelli said she believes this training could help with this issue.
“The AI Essentials specialization covers how to evaluate Generative AI to determine if it’s even the right solution in a given situation and includes an entire course discussing how to use AI responsibly, the limitations and ethical issues related to AI, and best practices on how to navigate these issues,” Iannicelli said. “It is important that students check with their instructors before using AI for schoolwork to determine if it’s permitted in the course.”
Each course is self-paced and free through the 2025-2026 academic year. Students can find more information and sign-up instructions in their LVC student portal under “Educational Technology.”