AI Essentials for Academic Success

  • Online
  • $925

This course is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders online program for high school students ages 15–18.

Skilled use of AI tools is now essential for performing competitively in university, and the most successful students develop AI literacy before they begin their busy university studies. The result: higher grades, improved wellbeing, and increased access to opportunities. Students also gain confidence that they are using AI in ways that meet the approval of their teachers and professors.

What you learn in this course:

  • How to effectively and ethically use AI in high school and university courses
  • How to “collaborate with” (not rely on) AI
  • How to use AI tools to support academic fundamentals like writing and research and other learning tasks
  • How teachers and professors expect students to use (and not use) AI
  • How universities are incorporating AI into teaching and learning

While the course is not graded, you complete and receive feedback on a short, university-level research and writing project about a topic of your choosing.

This course is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to learn how to use AI effectively and ethically. It is especially valuable for students planning to enter university next year. No prior experience with AI is required and students who are already using AI in their coursework will benefit from the skills and perspectives taught in this course.

MITCHELL GRAY, MA (Political Science), MA (Journalism), is the senior instructor in the university preparation program at UBC Extended Learning where he teaches courses and workshops on a wide range of pre-university topics, including academic skills, mental health and wellness, and writing effective university applications.

Virtual student lounge

All UBC Future Global Leaders students have access to the online Virtual Student Lounge where they can hang out and develop friendships with students from across Canada and around the world.

To register

After you add the course to your cart, you’re asked to complete your registration by creating a new account or logging in. If you are a parent, guardian or other adult registering for the first time on behalf of your student, please create the account in the name of the high school student attending UBC Future Global Leaders, not in your name.

Expected effort

In addition to the live virtual classes and office hours, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours per week reading, researching and participating in discussion boards.

Technology requirements

To take this course, you’ll need access to:

  • an email account
  • a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old using Windows or macOS
  • the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
  • a reliable internet connection
  • a video camera and microphone.

One business day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.

Course format

This course is 100% online and instructor-supported with real-time classes, and virtual drop-in office hours during the course.

Fall/Winter term (September – December / January – April)

Attend live virtual classes once a week on Saturdays for two hours for 10 weeks.

Summer term (July and August)

Attend live virtual classes two hours a day from Monday to Friday for three weeks.

All class times are in the Pacific Time Zone (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Available sessions

Available course sessions
Dates Days Time Format Tuition Description
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10:00 am Online $925
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10:00 am Online $925

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