The course consists of 12 units.

Unit 1. Introduction (1h)

Introduction to the course - Overview of the content

Unit 2. Generative AI – Introduction (2h learning time)

What is Generative AI and how it works - Applications of Generative AI- Text-based and image Generative AI - Detecting fake images – Engage by reading, watching, writing and sharing.

Unit 3. Large Language Models for literature search and writing (2h learning time)

Introduction to large language tools such as ChatGPT, Bing, etc. – Tips and tricks for literature search and writing - Limitations of large language tools- Engage by reading, watching, searching and sharing.

Unit 4. Digital tools for surveys in the field (2h learning time)

Advantages and disadvantages of digital tools for on-site data collection - Comparison of off- and online surveying – Tutorials - Engage by reading, watching, trying and sharing.

Unit 5. Large Language Models for data analysis (2h learning time)

Tutorial on creating prompts to analyse survey data - Engage by reading, watching, calculating and sharing.

Unit 6. Drones for dummies (2h learning time)

Introduction to the basics of using drones for data collection - Applications in rural development – Engage by reading, watching, calculating and sharing.

Unit 7. GIS maps for dummies (2h learning time)

Introduction to spatial data in rural development studies - Mapping, spatial econometrics, and network mapping - Generating local data - Aggregating spatial data with survey data – Engage by reading, watching, trying and sharing.

Unit 8. Studying adoption of digitalization (2h learning time)

Overview of digitalization uptake studies - Examples of adoption of digital tools by rural households/farmers - Benefits and limitations of the different frameworks – Engage by reading, watching, writing and sharing.

Unit 9. Living labs in digitalization (2h learning time)

Explanation of living labs in rural areas - Socio-economic impacts of digital transformation - Findings and experiences from the DESIRA project – Engage by reading, watching, discussing and sharing.

Unit 10. Studying the impact of digitalization (2h learning time)

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies for impact studies - Outcomes of impact studies – Engage by reading, watching, trying and sharing.

Unit 11. Ethics in AI (2h learning time)

AI Ethics and Bias in AI Systems - Fairness and accountability in AI -Privacy concerns - AI and human rights - Autonomous AI and responsibility - Transparency and explainability - Examples of moral machines – Engage by reading, watching, trying and sharing

Unit 12. Closing debate (2h seminar + 1h feedback on assignments)

Sharing questions, experiences, comments, and suggestions. In this closing session we will also give a general feedback on the exercises made during the course.

Each unit (except unit 1 and 12) consists of

• Core lecture of 30 to 60 minutes
• Reading: extra sources
• Watching: extra videos
• Engaging: opinions, quiz, exercises,…
• Sharing with others: discussion forum, whiteboard, surveys,…

The units are organised in four blocks and participants are able to move to a next block upon completion of the previous block.