OpenAI launched a self-paced online course for K-12 teachers on November 20, 2023, aimed at educating them about generative AI's definitions, uses, and risks in the educational context.

The course is structured into three sections: an explanation of AI, practical applications for teachers, and a brief overview of the risks associated with AI use in the classroom.

It offers practical guidance on effectively prompting AI, including a library of sample prompts for tasks such as creating quizzes and drafting emails.

Developed in collaboration with Common Sense Media, the course has been completed by approximately 10,000 educators, with 98% reporting that it provided new strategies for their teaching.

Despite the positive feedback, there is a strong desire among educators for more extensive training beyond the introductory course offered by OpenAI.

A survey by the EdWeek Research Center revealed that 58% of teachers had not received any professional development on generative AI, indicating a significant gap in training.

Critics of the course argue that it lacks depth in critical areas, particularly in addressing the biases and misinformation inherent in AI-generated content.

Furthermore, the course does not delve deeply into how AI works, missing an opportunity to educate teachers about the limitations and biases of AI technologies.

Experts also express concern that the course's fast pace may lead to a superficial understanding, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive training on AI risks, such as plagiarism and deepfakes.

In contrast, the Agua Fria school district has implemented a model of continuous training since 2022, focusing on deeper learning experiences and critical evaluation of AI outputs.

Experts suggest that ongoing professional development and collaboration among teachers are essential to enhance understanding and effective use of AI in education.

The course emphasizes foundational knowledge of AI, including the importance of data privacy and the need to avoid sharing personally identifiable information about students.