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Promoting a Culture of AI Literacy at Ohio State University Extension

Teaching & Educational Technologies

Lee Beers
Assistant Professor, Extension Educator
Ohio State University
Cortland

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly evolving and changing how Extension operates. AI tools are available to increase organizational efficiency, communicate with clientele, analyze data, and contribute to scholarly outputs. University policies and professional development on how these tools can, and should, be used often lag behind the speed at which these technologies are developed. The misuse of AI in academia has been well documented and has been attributed to a lack of training and formal policy adoption. Ohio State University (OSU) Extension has implemented a team approach to address these concerns and to align with OSU’s AI Fluency initiative. The AI Team was formed in 2024 to provide regular professional development for faculty and staff to promote understanding AI, ethical use for Extension work, and promote a culture of AI literacy.  The team is tasked with staying up to date on innovative technologies, university policy, and providing training to OSU Extension staff. County-based Educators, Field Specialists, and State Specialists representing all four Program Areas (4-H, ANR, CD, FCS), university publishing, and administration make up the AI Team. The team has developed operating guidelines specific to Extension outlining university approved AI tools available to employees and how AI can be ethically used in their daily tasks. A series of bi-weekly web-based in-services are offered to train employees on individual tools, reinforce guidelines, and offer examples of best management practices to protect institutional data.  In-service recordings, AI guidelines, and other relevant information are accessible to OSU employees with a dedicated Microsoft Teams page. This session will highlight the process, challenges, and lessons learned from building a coordinated AI training and guidance program within a large Extension system. Participants will gain a practical model for strengthening AI literacy, reducing institutional risk, and leading responsible AI adoption with confidence and integrity. 

Authors: Lee Beers, Rob Leeds, Mike Estadt, Jacci Smith, John Fulton, Chris Zoller
  1. Lee Beers Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 44410-1455
  2. Rob Leeds Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43015
  3. Mike Estadt Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43113
  4. Jacci Smith Extension Educator, The Ohio State Univeristy, Ohio, 43015
  5. John Fulton Professor, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43210
  6. Chris Zoller Professor, Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43210