As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly changes the workforce and daily life, the University of Hawaiʻi is launching a new program for those who want to learn more
“AI for Hawaiʻi” is an open-access, self-paced course that teaches foundational AI knowledge and practical skills, while also emphasizing responsible and ethical use.
The courses are hosted on the UHOneAI Hub, which uses instructional videos, Hawaiʻi-based examples, and hands-on activities to make AI understandable and useful for people at all levels of experience, the university said.
“These 12 courses will ensure that everyone has equal access to basic training and knowledge about AI, about how to be ethical, how to apply it, and how to ensure that our workforce continues to move forward so that Hawaiʻi benefits during this transition,” said UH President Wendy Hensel.
The program is part of the university’s strategy to help prepare the state as AI changes education, business, government, and the workforce.
“We’re here to help solve problems for small businesses, for government, for industry, to help find solutions with AI, and again to ensure that we are on the cutting edge as these changes hit the state of Hawaiʻi,” Hensel added.
The 12 chapters take participants from basic AI literacy to practical applications:
Chapters 1–3: AI fundamentals — How AI and machine learning work, along with key issues including bias, fairness and transparency.
Chapters 4–6: Responsible AI and stewardship — Ethical AI use for individuals and organizations, AI’s environmental impact and opportunities to support conservation and climate resilience.
Chapters 7–9: Education and strategy — How AI is changing teaching, learning, academic integrity and organizational operations.
Chapters 10–12: Workplace and industry — Practical AI skills, including advanced prompting, and applications in Hawaiʻi industries such as tourism and agriculture.
The university said it is also expanding the use and understanding of AI across all 10 campuses, including AI-powered student advising, 24/7 chatbots, faculty development through EL3vate, and AI Innovation@RISE, which connects students across the UH System with local industries to address real-world needs.
No UH affiliation or login is required.
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