120 : AI Readiness

AI Readiness 120 Curriculum Structure & Learner Modules Course Overview

Course Title: AI Readiness

Total Program Hours: 16–24 contact/engagement hours

Duration: 2–5 weeks (highly flexible, designed for rapid workforce upskilling) Delivery Modes: In-person, online synchronous, online asynchronous, or hybrid

Target Population: Ohio workers at all levels needing foundational AI awareness for job retention, promotion, or career transition; entry-level employees, mid-career professionals facing automation, job seekers preparing for AI-influenced hiring.

Credential Awarded: AI Readiness Microcredential

Cost to IMAP Participants: No cost

Program Rationale and IMAP Alignment

AI Readiness serves Ohio's Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) by providing the essential first step for workers to understand, adapt to, and thrive alongside AI technologies transforming every industry. This foundational course demystifies AI, builds confidence for interacting with AI tools, and equips learners to discuss AI intelligently with employers, making them immediately more competitive in AI-influenced hiring processes.

Unlike technical AI training, AI Readiness focuses on workplace readiness:

understanding how AI impacts jobs, recognizing AI opportunities and risks, using basic AI features in common work software, and demonstrating AI-aware professionalism.

Skills apply across all Ohio in-demand occupations from manufacturing operators to office administrators to healthcare support to customer service representatives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the AI Readiness microcredential, participants will be able to:

• Explain AI basics using plain language suitable for workplace conversations
• Identify AI features in commonly used work software (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, industry-specific platforms)
• Use basic AI assistance safely in daily work tasks (email, documents, scheduling, search)
• Spot AI opportunities and risks in their specific job role or industry
• Discuss AI confidently with supervisors, coworkers, and during job interviews
• Apply workplace AI guidelines to maintain productivity, accuracy, and professionalism
• Create simple AI-assisted work products demonstrating human + AI collaboration

Curriculum Structure

This streamlined 6-module program uses bite-sized lessons (2–4 hours each) with maximum flexibility for working adults. Each module combines:

• Short videos/readings (15–30 minutes)
• 1–2 guided AI practice tasks using familiar work tools
• Quick comprehension checks (5–10 minutes)
• Workplace reflection connecting AI to participant's real job

Design prioritizes accessibility: No programming knowledge required; uses only free, everyday tools.

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Module 0 – Welcome to Your AI Future Contact Hours: 1–2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Understand course goals and AI's role in modern work
• Assess personal AI comfort level and set workplace goals
• Access required free tools and verify technology readiness

Content Topics:

• Why AI matters NOW for Ohio workers

• Course roadmap: From AI awareness → basic use → workplace confidence
• Technology check: Email, browser, Microsoft/Google accounts
• Success mindset: AI as coworker, not replacement Free Learning Resources:
• 5-minute Ohio workforce AI overview video
• AI Readiness self-assessment survey
• Tool access guide (Microsoft Copilot free features, Google Gemini) Learning Activities:
• Pre-course survey: "How comfortable are you with AI tools?"
• Goal setting: "What one work task would you like AI to help with?"
• First AI interaction: Use browser AI search (Perplexity, com) for personal question

Assessment/Comprehension Check:

• Technology readiness checklist (completed)
• 5-question intro quiz
• Goal statement submission

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Module 1 – AI 101: What You Need to Know for Work Contact Hours: 2–3 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Define AI using everyday examples from participant's work
• Distinguish "AI hype" from practical workplace applications
• Recognize AI in tools already used daily

Content Topics:

• Plain-language AI definitions:
  • AI = software that learns patterns and makes suggestions
  • Machine learning = AI that improves with more examples
  • Generative AI = AI that creates new text/images/lists
• Workplace examples by job type:
  • Office: Email suggestions, document formatting
  • Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance alerts
  • Customer service: Chat suggestions, call summaries
  • Healthcare: Appointment reminders, chart organization
• AI myths: Replacements vs. assistants

Free Learning Resources:

• Google "AI Essentials" 10-minute videos
• Microsoft "AI for Beginners" workplace modules
• OhioMeansJobs AI awareness resources

Learning Activities:

• AI scavenger hunt: Find 3 AI features in current work email/docs
• Workplace mapping: "Where do I already see AI helping (or frustrating) me?"
• Demo: Copilot in Word/Outlook suggesting improvements

Assessment/Comprehension Check:

• 8-question matching quiz: AI term → work example
• Screenshot: AI feature found in personal work tools
• Discussion: "One way AI already helps my job"

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Module 2 – Everyday AI: Tools You're Already Using

Contact Hours: 3–4 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Activate and use AI features in Microsoft 365/Google Workspace
• Improve email, documents, and scheduling with AI assistance
• Verify and edit AI suggestions for accuracy.

Content Topics:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot (free features):
  • Outlook: Email drafting, meeting summaries
  • Word: Document summaries, rewrite suggestions
  • Teams: Meeting notes, action items
• Google Workspace Gemini:
  • Gmail smart compose/reply
  • Docs/Sheets AI suggestions
  • Calendar smart scheduling
• Verification basics: Fact-check, personalize, approve

Free Learning Resources:

• Microsoft "Copilot quick start" guides
• Google Workspace "Gemini tips" videos
• 5-minute tool tutorials

Learning Activities:

• Hands-On Lab:
  • Draft work email using AI suggestions → edit for tone/accuracy
  • Summarize 1-page document using AI → verify key points
  • Generate meeting agenda using AI prompts
• Practice portfolio: Save 3 before/after examples

Assessment/Comprehension Check:

• AI-assisted email submission (with edit notes)
• 10-question tool quiz
• Confidence self-check: "I can use AI in my daily software"

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Module 3 – AI in Your Industry and Job Role Contact Hours: 3–4 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Identify AI trends and tools specific to participant's industry
• Spot AI opportunities and risks in daily job tasks
• Propose one realistic AI improvement for work role

Content Topics:

• Industry spotlights (choose 2–3 relevant to group):
  • Manufacturing: Quality control, scheduling, maintenance
  • Healthcare: Patient coordination, compliance, billing
  • Retail/Customer Service: Inventory, personalization, chat
  • Office/Admin: Reporting, data entry, communication
• Job task analysis: Manual AI-assistable work
• Risk awareness: When NOT to use AI (confidential, high-stakes)

Free Learning Resources:

• Industry-specific AI case studies (Ohio companies)
• OhioMeansJobs sector reports mentioning AI
• YouTube: "[your Industry] AI tools 2026"

Learning Activities:

• Job task audit: List 10 daily tasks → mark AI opportunities
• Case study: "How [similar Ohio company] used AI"
• Proposal: "One task I'd improve with AI + expected benefit"

Assessment/Comprehension Check:

• Job task analysis worksheet
• Industry AI opportunity proposal (1 paragraph, graded)
• 8-question industry quiz

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Module 4 – Working Safely and Smart with AI Contact Hours: 2–3 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Follow workplace AI guidelines and data privacy rules
• Verify AI outputs and maintain professional quality
• Handle common AI issues (wrong answers, bias, glitches).

Content Topics:

• Safety first:
  • Don't share confidential info with public AI tools
  • Always verify time-sensitive or high-impact outputs
  • Company policies personal use
• Quality control:
  • Check facts, personalize tone, ensure compliance
  • "Human in the loop" best practices
• Troubleshooting: Hallucinations, bias, tool limitations

Free Learning Resources:

• Ohio workplace AI guidelines summary
• Microsoft/Google AI safety checklists
• "AI mistakes" case studies (real business examples)

Learning Activities:

• Practice verification: AI generates info → learner fact-checks
• Policy review: Read sample company AI guidelines
• Role-play: "Supervisor asks about AI use → professional response"

Assessment/Comprehension Check:

• AI verification exercise (spot 3 errors in AI output)
• Workplace AI safety pledge (1 paragraph)
• 10-question safety/ethics quiz

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Module 5 – AI Confidence: Talking the Talk Contact Hours: 1–2 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Explain AI skills and benefits to employers/coworkers
• Update resume and LinkedIn with AI competencies
• Prepare for AI-related interview questions

Content Topics:

• Employer language: "I use AI to save 2 hours/week on [task]"
• Resume keywords: AI-assisted, Copilot-proficient, generative AI-literate
• Interview prep:
  • "Tell me about a time you used AI at work"
  • "How do you verify AI-generated information?"
• Career mapping: AI as promotion tool, not threat

Free Learning Resources:

• Resume templates with AI skills
• LinkedIn AI skills endorsements guide
• Common AI interview questions

Learning Activities:

• Resume update: Add 2 AI accomplishments
• Mock interview: Answer 3 AI questions on video
• Talking points: 30-second "AI elevator pitch"

Assessment/Comprehension Check:

• Updated resume section
• 30-second AI confidence video
• Interview question responses

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Module 6 – AI Readiness Showcase Project

Contact Hours: 2–4 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate AI readiness through practical workplace example
• Document process showing human + AI collaboration
• Present results to peers/employer

Project Description: "My AI Workday Improvement" Choose ONE task from your real job:

• Email/meeting prep
• Report/document creation
• Customer/stakeholder communication
• Data lookup/organization
• Scheduling/coordination

Deliverables:

• Before/After Demo (screenshots or document)
• Process Walkthrough (1 page): Prompts used, edits made, time saved
• Results Summary (30 seconds): What worked, lessons learned
• Professional Pitch (3 sentences): "Here's how I use AI to [improve task]"

Rubric:

Criterion	Points
Clear before/after improvement	30%
Proper AI + human process	30%
Professional documentation	20%
Results quantification	20%

Assessment: Pass/fail competency demonstration (75%+)

Summative Assessment and Credential Award

Final AI Readiness Check:

• 20-question comprehensive quiz (70% pass)
• Live demo: Use AI feature in work tool (observed or recorded)
• AI Readiness Portfolio: 3 best work samples

Microcredential Requirements:

• Complete all modules (80%+ attendance/engagement)
• Pass all comprehension checks
• Complete showcase project
• Submit portfolio

AI Readiness Microcredential verifies:

• Understands workplace AI basics
• Uses AI features in common software
• Follows safety/professional guidelines
• Can discuss AI confidently with employers

• Stackable with AI Foundations, industry-specific AI courses

Digital Badge shareable on LinkedIn/resumes with competencies

Learner Support and Equity Barrier Reduction Design:

• Ultra-short modules (complete one per week or weekend)
• Mobile-first videos and activities
• No downloads – browser-based only
• Ohio job examples in every module
• Peer cohorts by industry/role
• Rapid tech support (same-day response)

Support Services:

• Daily LMS check-ins
• Weekly live Q&A
• Resume/AI talking points review
• Job search AI prompt library

IMAP Reporting and Outcomes

Success Metrics:

• Completion: 85% target (short duration, high flexibility)
• Confidence: 90% report "very confident" using AI at work
• Employment: 75% employed/promoted or in training within 90 days
• Employer validation: 80% of employers value the credential

Data Points:

• Pre/post AI comfort surveys
• Task time savings documentation
• 90-day employment status
• Employer feedback surveys

Instructor Qualifications

• Experience training adult workers (workforce development, corporate training)
• Daily use of workplace AI tools (Copilot, Gemini, industry platforms)
• Industry experience (manufacturing, healthcare, office, service)
• Preferred: Delivered similar digital literacy programs

Training Provided: AI tool certification of completion, curriculum delivery workshop