AI in Society

AI in Societyis the latest Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) by UnaEuropa, an alliance bringing together 11 European universities, who share a common goal of modernising education and rethinking the role universities will play in the future.

The materials are designed by content experts from the University of Helsinki, and the course is available free of charge. This MOOC is an attempt to demystify AI, and help people better understand its impact and implications. 

Main objectives and aims 

The MOOC looks at AI technology and how it functions in today's values and society. This includes AI as an ethical issue, and how it has altered common social practices, how it is used in institutional settings such as public service, government agencies, and social partners. 

What you will learn

This MOOC will give you a sound foundation in ethical and social aspects of AI at the levels of social interaction and the society as a whole. 

You will learn the main conceptual frameworks and cognitive tools to critically assess AI applications in their social contexts and assess their societal impact. 

Finally, your knowledge on the challenges of the technology will improve, equipping you to better understand and potentially prevent unwanted consequences and make deliberate choices while developing, deploying, or using AI applications.

The course has a modular structure. Chapters 1-3 comprise the Introduction module and are compulsory. After completing the Introduction learners choose at least one additional module.

Introduction modules

1. Introduction
2. AI and Values
3. AI and Society

Additional modules

4. AI and Discrimination
5. AI and Justice
6. AI and Democracy
7. AI and One Health
8. AI and Disinformation in the Digital Age
9. AI and Privacy

No previous knowledge of AI or IT is needed, and it is useful for students of any discipline, as well as anyone else interested in understanding the societal impact of AI and how AI technology is changing our daily lives.