MAPS AI 101: Emerging Roles for AI in Public Service Organizations

Course Overview

Course Description

This interactive workshop is designed for public service professionals that want to develop their basic understanding of AI systems so that they can help make sure they are used responsibly.  We will begin by discussing different kinds of AI technology (i.e. expert, predictive, generative, and agentic AI) and comparing their technical characteristics. We will then discuss why it is important to think about AI systems more holistically by considering how interactions between humans, AI technology, organizations, and their environments create different strengths and risks. Next, we will apply these ideas by practicing responsible prompt engineering. The workshop will conclude with a short overview of the AI Risk Management (AI RMF) framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which many organizations are using to assess and support implementation of trustworthy AI systems.

Intended Audience

This interactive workshop is designed for public service professionals that want to develop their basic understanding of AI systems so that they can help make sure they are used responsibly.  

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this coruse, you will be able to:

1. Compare characteristics of different kinds of AI technology to better understand how they could be used in public service organizations.
2. Discuss how interactions between humans, AI technology, organizations, and their environments create different strengths and risks in AI systems.
3. Practice using responsible prompt engineering to complete work tasks with a generative AI tool.
4. Develop a basic understanding of how organizations can assess the characteristics of trustworthy AI systems using the AI RMF.

Course Materials

Course materials will be provided in class.

Instructor

Megan LePere-Schloop, PhD, MPA is a social scientist and professor in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where she researches and teaches public and nonprofit management. She received her PhD and MPA from the Department of Public Administration and Policy at the University of Georgia (UGA) and a BA in History from Oberlin College. Megan is a dedicated educator and was honored to receive the Ohio State Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, OSU's highest honor for teaching, in 2020. Megan both uses computational methods, including AI, to conduct organizational research, and does research on AI governance. Prior to joining the OSU faculty, Megan's professional experience spanned the public and nonprofit sectors.

FAQ's

Follow these steps to make a cancellation:

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Cancellation Policy"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on “Cancel Registration” button
6. Click Finish

Follow these steps to make a substitution: 

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Substitutions"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on the “Substitute Registrant” button
6. Enter the name and email of the new registrant
7. Click Next
8. Click Confirm

Waitlist
What happens if I am on a waitlist for a course? You will receive an email confirming you have been added to a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by email.  

CEU and CPE Policy
Attendance in this course can earn:

• 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 7.2 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs)

Attendance is recorded at check-in at the start of the day, and full CEU or CPE credit is awarded based on an honor system, with the expectation that participants are present and actively engaged for the full MAPS course.

Course Certificate
Your course certificate will be emailed to you following the course. It will reflect your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs) earned and your attendance of the course. 

Photography
The Ohio State University may occasionally take pictures during educational events for use in program communication. If you do not want to be photographed during this course, please email the MAPS team at glenn-training@osu.edu.

MAPS Membership 
A MAPS member receives a discounted rate of $250 for each course with the initial purchase of at least 12 credits. Each credit equals one course for one individual.

To inquire about becoming a MAPS member, please fill out the MAPS Membership Form. A Glenn College Professional Development team member will reach out to you.

Questions or want to learn more?