Towards a Smart Future: AI Fundamentals for the University Generation

"Towards a Smart Future: AI Fundamentals for the University Generation" is a project designed to guide Università Cattolica students in understanding the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that is reshaping the very fabric of our societies, economies, and personal lives.

Organized by the Teaching and Learning Lab (TeLeLab) and the Humane Technology Lab (HTLab), the initiative will be offered to students during the 2024/2025 academic year. Its primary goal is to foster critical awareness of the ethical and social impacts of AI adoption.

Aligned with the 2024-2026 National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)—which promotes AI education within university degree programs—the project aims to make core AI concepts accessible to students across all disciplines while equipping them with the most relevant skills to use key AI tools effectively.

Project Activities

This pioneering initiative is structured into three interconnected activities, providing a holistic understanding of AI—from its technical foundations to its ethical and societal implications.

1. Course: "AI: First Steps into the World of Artificial Intelligence"

📌 Target Audience: First-year undergraduate students at Università Cattolica, Milan campus (A.Y. 2024/2025)
📌 Duration: Two editions, each consisting of 8 hours, delivered across two training days

2. Course: "Curious Minds: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Multidisciplinary Students"

📌 Target Audience: All Università Cattolica students (A.Y. 2024/2025)
📌 Duration: 24 hours, structured into six sessions

3. Conference Series: "CyberHorizons: Exploring AI’s Impact on Society and Professions"

📌 Format: Five sessions open to university students, alumni, and the general public
📌 Objective: Provide in-depth insights into AI’s impact across various sectors of society
📌 Methodology: Engaging discussions with industry experts, offering a platform to explore AI’s opportunities and challenges, fostering a broader understanding of its long-term effects

Certification & Open Badges

Participation in project activities includes the award of Open Badges, certifying the acquisition of AI-related knowledge and competencies.