OpenAI and Wharton launch free ChatGPT course for teachers. Here's how to access it

When ChatGPT launched, the generative AI tool immediately faced concerns about atrophying children's intelligence and education, with some school districts even blocking access. However, many schools soon decided to unblock the technology and began leveraging it within their classrooms. This new course is meant to help teachers make the most of ChatPGT.

On Thursday, OpenAI partnered with Wharton Online to launch a new course, AI in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT for Teaching, available on Coursera for free. The course has been designed to teach generative AI essentials to higher education and high school staff to help them better implement the technology in their classrooms. 

Also: OpenAI launches free AI training for educators - how to access it

The course is self-paced and split into four modules, which take about an hour to complete. The topics covered in the modules include how to use AI in the classroom. create GPTs, build AI exercises and tests, prompt AI, and learn about the risks of the technology. 

"Wharton Online holds a deep commitment to delivering accessible content from the AI experts here at Wharton that can empower educators to harness this transformative technology and enrich the teaching experience for all," said Eric Hamberger, managing director at Wharton Online. 

Also: You can now talk with ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode on the web

The course features experts in the field, including Wharton professor Ethan Mollick, who was one of the first instructors to find ways to incorporate generative AI into the syllabus and classroom to promote learning. Time magazine named Mollick one of 2024's most influential people in AI. Lilach Mollick, co-director of Wharton Generative AI Labs, also guides the course.

Once the course is completed, users will earn a Wharton Online and OpenAI certificate issued by Coursera, which they can share with their networks to show they understand AI. The course, accessible on Coursera, starts on November 21 and users can enroll for free.

Also: Google's Gemini Advanced gets a very useful ChatGPT feature - but how does it compare?

If you are interested in pursuing other courses, there are many options. On Wednesday, OpenAI launched a free online course called ChatGPT Foundations for K-12 Educators. 

ZDNET rounded up the best free AI courses in 2024, which you can find here.