Micro-course attracts 7,700+ participants, sees high completion rates, earns strong learner feedback
The 麻豆视频鈥檚 Innovative Education team recently wrapped up GenAI in Action: Impact and Possibilities, a timely, free micro-course that drew more than 7,700 participants and positive feedback from learners across industries and around the globe. Designed to demystify generative AI and equip users with practical AI knowledge, the self-paced, three module program demonstrated that well-crafted digital learning experiences on emerging topics can resonate broadly.
While free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) often see modest participation outcomes, with completion rates between 5% and 10%, USF鈥檚 GenAI in Action significantly outperformed these norms. Nearly 1,600 learners completed the course, representing a 21% completion rate, more than double the typical results for such free offerings. Of those completers, 800 participants opted to purchase a digital badge to verify their newly acquired skills, a robust 10% conversion that reflects strong interest in stackable microcredentials that professionals can showcase on platforms such as LinkedIn.
"Those numbers alone tell a powerful story," said Jing Wan, assistant director of learning design production at USF Innovative Education. "But what means even more to us is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from learners. It confirmed that we created something that felt both useful and energizing."
The three-module micro-course guided learners through foundational topics: writing effective prompts, creating a personalized AI toolkit, and forming a plan to responsibly use AI in professional and personal contexts. The development of the course was a collaborative effort, supported by expert faculty and staff across the university. The new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing played a key role, with faculty and administrators offering valuable guidance and partnership throughout the process. Participants watched lecture-style videos featuring USF experts like John Licato, an associate professor in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing; Adam Phillips, an assistant professor of instruction in the English department, and Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, interim dean in the College of Education. The program concluded with a panel discussion where external industry partners talked about how they see AI impacting the workforce, the skills future talent in the industry will need, and how people of all backgrounds might consider AI for their workplace. Their insights connected the course content to real-world applications, supporting both practical workplace success and individual growth.
鈥淎s AI becomes a part of everyday life and work, offering an entry point through a micro-course like GenAI in Action helps individuals across industries engage with these technologies thoughtfully and responsibly,鈥� said Sudeep Sarkar, interim dean of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. 鈥淚t's a way for universities and faculty to extend their expertise beyond campus and contribute to a more AI-literate society.鈥�
A post-course survey revealed overwhelmingly positive learner sentiment, with 97% of respondents rating the course鈥檚 structure, flow, and navigation as 鈥済ood鈥� or 鈥渆xcellent.鈥� Additionally, 98% praised the quality of the course materials, including videos, activities, and reflection prompts.
Some did so on LinkedIn, like Christina Frantom, a growth strategist who heads up internal communications at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. She posted, 鈥淟earning more about GenAI empowers people to understand, harness, and shapes its potential to create value in their personal and professional lives. This course was so well designed. Thank you, USF!鈥�
Participants across the board echoed this sentiment.
鈥淲e saw people from every background engage with this course 鈥� educators, business leaders, creatives, and public sector professionals 鈥� all looking to strengthen their skills for the evolving workplace,鈥� said Christine Brown, associate vice president of Innovative Education. 鈥淭hey were from around the world, too, which tells us that the topic is both urgent and universal,鈥� she said.
Sarkar said that as artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces, educational systems, and everyday life, USF鈥檚 GenAI in Action stands as a model of how universities can offer responsive, relevant programming that meets learners where they are.
It鈥檚 a clear signal that people are hungry not just for information, but for clarity and confidence in how to responsibly use these tools in everyday life,鈥� Brown said.
Based on the valuable feedback received 鈥� and with AI evolving at a rapid pace 鈥� plans are already underway to expand and enhance the course for future learners. A is now open for those who want to be notified when the next version becomes available.