AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning
NEA (National Education Association)
Last updated September 15, 2026
AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning is a free, self-paced independent-study course from the National Education Association on adopting AI in education deliberately — grounded in valid research and attentive to diverse and vulnerable learners' needs, rather than adopted for its own sake. It runs about 5 hours through a single online module, and finishes with NEA's Teacher Quality Certificate and 5 continuing-education hours.
What you'll learn
- Implementing AI tools and strategies based on evidence rather than hype
- Prioritizing vulnerable learners' needs when adopting AI
- Understanding the need for ongoing evaluation and monitoring of AI in education
- Recognizing where AI use in education actually delivers a benefit
Frequently asked questions about AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning
Who is AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning for?
Any educator interested in understanding and leveraging AI tools in their practices, with a particular focus on evidence and vulnerable-learner needs.
Is AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning free?
Yes — AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning is free to take. Requires creating a free NEA Professional Excellence Portal account.
Does AIED: Evidence-Based AI for Learning offer a certificate?
Yes. Free "Teacher Quality Certificate" and 5.0 continuing-education/PDU hours on completion.
Why we suggest this course
The emphasis throughout is on rigorous evaluation over hype — treating an AI tool's classroom use as a claim to test, not a given to accept. That is a useful corrective in a subject where most guidance is either promotional or fearful, and short on the middle ground of how to actually know whether something is working.