More than 1,300 participate in professional learning that supports student AI fluency
Since the launch of the Teaching and Learning to Build AI Fluency endorsement in autumn 2025, the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning has seen strong and steady participation from educators across the university. At the close of January 2026, more than 1,300 participants engaged in at least one professional learning experience connected to the endorsement, reflecting widespread interest in integrating AI thoughtfully and responsibly into teaching while supporting students’ development of AI fluency.
Participants represent all 15 colleges and all six Ohio State campuses, spanning tenure-track, clinical, associated, practice and research faculty, instructional staff, graduate teaching associates and postdoctoral scholars. The College of Arts and Sciences has contributed the largest share of participants, with strong engagement also coming from the Colleges of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; Medicine; Engineering; and Education and Human Ecology.
“We’re thrilled to see such a positive response from faculty,” said Drake Institute Senior Instructional Design Specialist Allison Schultz. “They aren’t just curious about AI tools; they’re exploring practical strategies, thoughtful approaches and ways to integrate AI into teaching that truly support student learning.”
The endorsement’s professional learning curriculum combines core workshops, elective experiences and applied teaching deliverables. These components give instructors practical strategies to integrate AI into their teaching while addressing questions of academic integrity, ethics and student learning. Dozens of educators have already completed the full curriculum, making them eligible to apply in the endorsement’s inaugural application cycle.
Putting AI into practice
Educators are already applying what they’ve learned in their teaching. In GE Bookends courses, instructors are initiating Day 1 conversations about AI and sustaining dialogue throughout the semester, encouraging students to reflect on their own AI use and engage collaboratively. In other courses, instructors are using AI to generate ideas, provide formative feedback, analyze case studies and support critical thinking, while helping students distinguish between independent and AI-assisted work. Across disciplines, faculty are applying frameworks like TILT (Transparency in Learning and Teaching) to clearly communicate AI expectations, align assignments with learning goals, and emphasize reflective, responsible use of AI in student learning.
Rapid launch, broad impact
Staff at the Drake Institute, in collaboration with partners across the university, have worked diligently to develop a comprehensive set of educator professional learning resources and experiences for the AI Fluency Teaching Endorsement. The strong early response to the endorsement reflects growing momentum across Ohio State to integrate AI into teaching with purpose and clarity. By emphasizing integrity, transparency and practical instructional design, the Drake Institute is building a foundation for AI Fluency that supports instructors and students across the university.
“In a few short months we’ve moved from curiosity to practice,” said Associate Vice Provost and Drake Institute Director Anika Anthony. “Now we’re ready for the next step: scaling this work across disciplines, expanding applied projects and sharing models that any instructor can adopt with confidence.”
Additional support and incentives
The Drake Institute also provides workshops, consultations and resources to support faculty and staff as they integrate AI thoughtfully into teaching and instructional practice. Explore additional AI Fluency teaching support offerings on the Drake Institute website.
Ohio State faculty and staff who earn the Teaching and Learning to Build AI Fluency endorsement will be eligible to receive a $300 professional development incentive. Learn more at the Drake Institute website.