HEA launches online learning resources to support AI literacy in higher education

Posted: 1 April, 2026

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has launched a new suite of online learning resources to support the development of AI literacy across higher education teaching and learning.

The initiative complements the recently launched Generative AI in Higher Education Teaching and Learning: National Policy Framework and supports national priorities on digital skills and AI literacy outlined in Ireland’s National Digital and AI Strategy 2030, which emphasises the importance of equipping learners and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a digital society.

The resources consist of four short, self-paced open courses designed to support both staff and students in developing the knowledge and skills needed to engage with generative AI effectively and responsibly in academic and professional contexts.

The courses were developed by Professor Joseph Feller (University College Cork), Professor Rick Dakan (Ringling College of Art and Design), and Anthropic, with support from the HEA and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

The new releases build on the earlier launch of AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations in June 2025. Three additional resources — AI Fluency for Educators, AI Fluency for Students, and Teaching AI Fluency — extend the framework by supporting its practical application in teaching, learning and professional practice. Earlier releases of the AI Fluency courses have already attracted significant global uptake, with more than 300,000 enrolments to date.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Alan Wall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority said:

“The rapid development of generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education. Supporting staff and students to develop the knowledge and skills to engage with these technologies in informed and responsible ways is therefore an important priority. These open courses provide resources that institutions can use and adapt to help build AI literacy and support teaching and learning across the sector.”

Prof Joseph Feller, Professor of Information Systems and Digital Transformation at Cork University Business School, University College Cork, said: “AI fluency is about working with AI in ways that are effective, efficient, ethical, and safe. The framework identifies a set of core competencies that help learners to set goals and delegate work appropriately, communicate effectively with AI systems, critically evaluate AI outputs, and engage with AI responsibly in educational, personal, and professional contexts.”

Colin Lowry, Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Enhancement, and Digital Innovation at the Higher Education Authority, said:
“Providing these courses through OpenCourses.ie supports a shared approach to professional development, supporting institutions to access and adapt high-quality open learning resources and recognise achievement through national open badges.”

All four courses can be accessed on OpenCourses.ie. The course materials are available as open educational resources (OER) under an open licence, with course packages and guidance provided to support HEI VLE integration pathways and local adaptation.