AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI
NEA (National Education Association)
Last updated September 15, 2026
AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI is a free, self-paced independent-study course from the National Education Association, the largest labor union representing US educators, covering the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and its potential uses in schools. It runs about 5 hours through a single online module plus a short pre- and post-course survey, and finishes with NEA's Teacher Quality Certificate and 5 continuing-education hours.
What you'll learn
- Foundational AI concepts and how they apply to K-12 and higher-education practice
- Practical AI skills for classroom and administrative use
- Recognizing AI's opportunities and risks with critical awareness
- Building confidence using AI as a tool that supports, not replaces, teaching
Frequently asked questions about AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI
Who is AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI for?
Any educator who wants a grounded, no-cost introduction to what AI is and how it applies to teaching, learning and administrative work.
Is AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI free?
Yes — AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI is free to take. Requires creating a free NEA Professional Excellence Portal account.
Does AIED: Foundations and Applications of AI offer a certificate?
Yes. Free "Teacher Quality Certificate" and 5.0 continuing-education/PDU hours on completion.
Why we suggest this course
As a union-run course rather than a vendor's, it has no product to sell — it teaches AI literacy and ethical, effective integration into teaching and administrative work without pointing toward any one company's tools. The free continuing-education hours and certificate give it a use most free online courses lack: something to actually put toward a professional-development requirement.