Coe to offer AI training to students through Google partnership

Coe College will utilize a new partnership with the Google AI for Education Accelerator program to give students access to tools and training in artificial intelligence that the college says will help them prepare for a modern workforce.

The Cedar Rapids private college announced in a news release this week it has become one of more than 100 colleges and universities across the U.S. to partner with the Google initiative, which provides tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to the college at no cost and offers certificates in different areas of study.

According to the release, AI is something faculty at Coe have begun exploring for classroom work as well as research. Two courses, “AI in the Business World” and “K-12 Teacher Training for AI,” will open for students to take in the spring.

“Faculty across all disciplines have begun to factor AI use, as well as its challenges and limitations, into their course design,” said Coe College Provost Angela Ziskowski in the release. “To be able to utilize AI effectively is an emerging skill that will have applications everywhere and we want our students to be prepared.”

Through a “guided learning mode” embedded in Gemini Pro, the release stated the AI tool will operate as “a learning companion,” asking questions of students and providing support to help students find the answer rather than just generating it. According to the release, Google consulted students, instructors and researchers in developing the mode to ensure it helps with critical thinking skills and finding true understanding of a subject.

Coe College President David Hayes said in the release AI is being used “with intentionality” by professionals and students who know how to “responsibly utilize AI” to bring greater efficiency to the workplace will be a step ahead of their competition for jobs.

“Utilizing this technology builds practical skills students will need for high-paying careers today and tomorrow,” Hayes said in the release. “By collaborating with industry leaders like Google, we are ensuring our students have the resources they need to innovate and succeed while fostering a spirit of innovation on campus.”

This article first appeared in Iowa Capital Dispatch.