BATON ROUGE — LSU has launched a free online course called AI Literacy Essentials to introduce people to artificial intelligence and its effective, professional and ethical use.

The course is available now to LSU students, faculty and staff through LSU Online’s professional development program and will open to the public on Aug. 26.

Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Joseph Messina said LSU aims to lead in areas that will shape Louisiana’s future and that the course supports broad access to foundational AI education.

The course covers foundations of AI, responsible and ethical use, academic integrity, information literacy and practical AI skills.

LSU Online managed the project, with Senior Learning Experience Designer Richelle DeCuir working with faculty experts after Student Government and other campus groups identified a need for introductory AI guidance.