Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept: it’s a practical, everyday tool reshaping how we work, communicate, and create. To help professionals build AI skills for the workplace, Duke University has launched AI for Productivity, a hands-on online AI course available on Coursera.

Developed by Ashley Smith, Learning Technology Analyst at Duke University, this course equips learners with the skills to use generative AI tools effectively and responsibly – no advanced technical background required.

Why Take an AI for Productivity Course?

From drafting emails to analyzing data and creating multimedia content, tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini are transforming the modern workplace. As demand grows for AI literacy and digital productivity skills, understanding how to apply these tools strategically is essential.

This AI training course focuses on practical applications such as:

• Automating routine tasks and improving workflow automation
• Analyzing and summarizing information using AI-powered tools
• Creating professional visuals, videos, and written content with AI content creation tools
• Applying responsible AI practices in your daily work

Whether you’re a student, staff member, or working professional, this course will help you boost efficiency and confidence with AI.

What You’ll Learn

Across four modules, learners explore how AI can serve as a powerful “sidekick” in everyday work:

Module 1: Welcome to the Course

Learn how generative AI for writing and editing can enhance communication. Practice prompt engineering and discover how AI can act as your personal writing assistant.

Module 2: Using AI for Administrative Tasks

Use tools like Copilot and ChatGPT to automate scheduling, organize projects, and improve productivity with AI tools—freeing up time for higher-impact work.

Module 3: Using AI for Note-taking, Summarizing, and Data Analysis

Transform messy information into clear insights using AI for data analysis and AI note-taking tools. Summarize meetings, analyze spreadsheets, and extract trends with ease.

Module 4: Using AI in Research and Image Generation

Explore AI in research and learn to create images, videos, and multimedia using tools like Canva, DALL·E, and Adobe Firefly. Understand the importance of ethical AI use and human oversight.

In-Demand AI Skills You’ll Gain

By the end of the course, learners will develop highly sought-after skills, including:

• AI literacy and responsible AI use
• Productivity and workflow optimization
• Writing, editing, and communication
• Data analysis with AI and handling unstructured data
• AI-powered creativity and media production

You’ll also gain hands-on experience with leading tools such as Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Firefly, and more.

Real-World Impact

With a 4.7 out of 5-star rating, learners consistently highlight the course’s real-world value:

“I’m reskilling to go back into the private sector and this course gave me tips on using AI for everything from scheduling to notetaking to cleaning up crazy spreadsheets. I also learned the names of many different AI tools I’ve never heard of that will assist me with many different types of tasks.”

“I work for a major software company and have been using AI consistently for months now. Even with my exposure to Ai and LLM tools, I still learned new things from this course.”

“Overall, I found the course to be highly practical and relevant to both academic and professional contexts. It helped me understand how AI tools can be used to improve productivity in areas such as writing, research, scheduling, data analysis, and communication.”

This feedback reflects what makes the course stand out: it’s about applying AI tools in real work scenarios.

Flexible, Free, and Career-Boosting

This free online AI course is accessible to anyone, making it an ideal opportunity for the Duke community and global learners alike to build job-ready AI skills. Upon completion, participants receive a shareable Coursera certificate, perfect for enhancing your LinkedIn profile and demonstrating your expertise in using AI for productivity.

Start Learning Today

AI is transforming how work gets done. The question is no longer whether to use it, but how to use it effectively.

Duke’s AI for Productivity course gives you the tools you need and the confidence to succeed in an AI-powered workplace. Enroll on Coursera and start building your AI productivity skills today.