CERT X475 - AI for Productivity

Course Description

Over six weeks, learners will explore how to write effective prompts, automate repetitive tasks, and evaluate the right tools to enhance productivity in their field. Through interactive exercises, peer collaboration, and real-world scenarios, students will build their own AI-enhanced productivity system, tailored to their professional goals. Whether you need to streamline reports, craft smarter communications, or make better data-driven decisions, this course gives you the tools—and the confidence—to make AI work for you.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• write clear and effective prompts to generate high-quality results from AI tools for tasks like summarizing, content creation, and brainstorming.
• design AI-supported workflows to automate routine tasks such as data entry, email drafts, or meeting notes, and enhance workplace efficiency.
• identify and address ethical issues in AI use—bias, data privacy, intellectual property—and apply responsible AI practices in professional contexts.
• compare and evaluate different AI tools based on capabilities, limitations, and integration options to choose the best solution for specific job needs.
• interpret and present AI-generated insights clearly and persuasively to support decision-making and collaboration with both technical and nontechnical colleagues.

Course Structure

This six-week course blends elements of asynchronous and synchronous components to provide learners with flexibility in project work, while also having face-to-face time with instructors and fellow learners via Zoom. This course contains weekly modules which follow a Monday - Sunday schedule. Each week students will:

• Complete course activities on Canvas site.
• Attend a weekly 90-minute (optional but recommended) Zoom, during which students will participate in discussions and workshop their project with the instructor and peers.

Course Availability

The course Canvas site will open on the Wednesday before the first day of the course. All the modules will open on the first day of the course.

Course Materials

All reading/video resources will be listed in their respective weekly module in this course. There is no textbook or manual.

Module Outline

Module 1 - Foundations of AI and Responsible Use

In this module, you will learn how generative AI creates outputs like text or images from inputs. We will also explore ethical concerns like keeping data safe, avoiding unfair results, and respecting ownership. This module will build a foundation for you to use AI confidently and safely in any work setting.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Recognize where and why bias and hallucinations might happen in AI outputs
• Summarize what you’ve learned about AI bias and why data integrity is important.

Module 2 - Mastering AI Prompts

In this module, you will learn how to write clear, specific prompts that produce useful AI outputs for writing, summarizing, brainstorming, and other productivity tasks. You'll explore how vague or poorly constructed prompts lead to subpar results, and begin building a toolkit of prompt strategies you can use in your daily work.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Apply best practices to prompt writing to get better outputs from LLMs
• Deconstruct complex problems or processes to write better prompts

Module 3 - Automating Workflows

In this module, you will learn how to create AI-supported workflows that automate everyday tasks such as data entry, meeting notes, email drafts, and content creation. You’ll explore tools like Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and CRM-integrated AI (HubSpot AI, Salesforce Agentforce) that are already embedded in the platforms you use daily. By deconstructing larger tasks into smaller steps, you’ll design and test automated processes to save time and improve efficiency in your work.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Create AI-supported workflows to automate simple tasks like data entry, meeting notes, email drafts, or content creation.

Module 4 - Choosing and Sharing AI Insights

In this module, you’ll learn how to communicate your automation workflows and findings through clear visuals and effective presentations. You’ll explore how AI can support you in creating visuals, designing presentations, and evaluating automation tools. By the end of this module, you’ll identify the tools you’ll use to build your final automation workflow and practice presenting your process to others.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Choose the best AI tools for specific work tasks by comparing their features, limits, and how they work with other systems to improve productivity.
• Use AI-generated insights to support team decisions and clearly explain them to non-technical colleagues, aligning with workplace goals.

Module 5 - Building and Presenting Your Automated Workflow

In this final module, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned to design, document, and present your automated workflow. You’ll demonstrate how you applied prompting strategies, deconstructed complex tasks, used AI to automate and visualize processes, and evaluated the tools that support your workflow. By the end of this module, you’ll share your finished automation project and reflect on the process.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Use AI-generated insights to support team decisions and clearly explain them to non-technical colleagues, aligning with workplace goals.

Module 6 - Reflection and Next Steps – Your AI Workflow Journey

In this final module, you’ll take time to reflect on your learning journey through the course. You’ll evaluate how your understanding of AI, automation, and visual communication has evolved, and consider how you can apply these skills in your work or studies moving forward. You’ll identify your biggest takeaways, what surprised you most, and how you plan to continue exploring and using AI-supported workflows.

Technology Requirements

Browser

You will need to use a browser as your primary method of accessing the course. The Canvas mobile apps should only be used as a supplement. To learn about browser compatibility with Canvas, visit the Supported Browsers Page.

Hardware

A functional webcam for video conferencing is required. We also recommend a headset-microphone to assure good audio quality for synchronous Zoom workshop meetings.

Canvas

For Canvas information, visit Canvas: Getting Started for Students.

Zoom

We also recommend using a laptop or desktop computer to access all of Zoom's features and get the full classroom experience. Familiarize yourself with Zoom by using our Quick Tips Guide.

Technology Help

If you have issues with Canvas or Zoom please contact IT HELP at 612-301-4357.

Course Completion

You will receive a grade of incomplete or complete based on your demonstration of course learning objectives. Learning objectives are demonstrated by completing assessed projects.

The instructor will assess each learning outcome as “not demonstrated,” or “demonstrated.” Completion of a course means that you have demonstrated achievement of all learning outcomes. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and the certificate of completion for the course will be awarded only if you receive a grade of ‘complete’ for the course.

While participation in Zoom sessions and engagement with other non-assessed learning activities do not count towards the final grade, these activities are designed to be an integral part of achieving the course learning outcomes.

If you receive a grade of ‘incomplete’ after turning in an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project once. Please note, receiving a grade of “Incomplete” and/or failure to demonstrate a learning outcome will not result in a refund.

To officially complete the course, you must complete all modules and submit your acknowledgement of course completion in the final module. This will ensure your work will be graded.

Certification

Once you receive confirmation you have successfully met the learning objectives for your project, you will receive your certificate of completion. This typically happens three weeks after the course has ended to allow time for grading. You will receive an email inviting you to download your certificate and you can view/print your certificate of completion.

Along with the course completion certificate, students will be awarded 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Students will not receive University credit for completing the course as this is a non-credit course.

Late submissions

Assessed projects and other learning activities must be submitted on or before the due date, unless specific extensions are granted by the instructor. Instructors may not grant extensions more than two weeks after the course end date.

Project Resubmission

If you do not successfully demonstrate course learning outcomes in your first attempt on an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project one time. Resubmissions cannot be submitted more than 2 weeks after the original due date.

Synchronous Meeting Recording Policy

Synchronous Zoom meetings will not be recorded. If you have an accessibility need that requires you to have recordings of the synchronous sessions, please let us know and we can provide accommodation.

Disability Accommodations

The University of Minnesota values diverse identities and experiences, and honors disability as an important aspect of human diversity. The DRC partners with students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to facilitate accessibility and reduce barriers on campus to improve access for disabled people. If you need accommodations for this course related to mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UM Twin Cities - 612.626.1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.

If you need ASL Interpretation Services please fill out the request form for your class.