Artificial Intelligence (AI) Classes
Take AI from Interesting to Impactful
Whether you're looking to save time, work more efficiently, advance your career, grow a business, or simply understand the technology shaping our future, Kirkwood offers practical AI training designed for your success.
Through entry-level and intermediate classes open to the public, learn how to confidently use AI tools to improve productivity and solve problems - then apply your skills immediately in your personal and professional life.
How to Register
If you are 18+ and enrolling only yourself, you can register over the phone or online. Full payment is due at the time of registration.
Phone: 319-398-1022 opt. 5
Online: Find the online registration link in the class descriptions below.
Want to enroll your employee or team? We offer registration options for businesses and organizations!
Workforce Funding
Eligible employers may have access to WTED funding for these courses. Early registration is highly encouraged. To determine if you are eligible, please click the link to view WTED funding information.
Sponsorship Billing
To sponsor an employee's enrollment, please fill out our Sponsorship Billing Form by clicking the link below, selecting the "Sponsors" option, and following the instructions.
Please Read: Important Information
- Interested in WTED Funding? Click here to access the online application.
- If pursuing WTED funding, the funding application must be submitted before submitting a Sponsorship Billing Form.
- Not interested in funding or know you are not eligible? No funding application is required - simply complete the Sponsorship Billing Form.
Build Your Own AI Work Assistant
AI Tools can do so much more than give quick answers - they can help you think through problems, organize information, and make better decisions. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to build YODA, Your Own Digital Assistant, using your documents, expertise, values, and work priorities. You will practice using AI to organize knowledge, explore options, identify risks, and connect decisions to outcomes. By the end of the workshop, you will have a practical AI partner that can help make your job easier, your work more efficient, and your thinking sharper.
Please bring your own laptop to this seminar.
BONUS ACCESS: After the seminar, participants will gain free online access to Coursera's Grow with Google AI Professional Certificate program!
Date: 10/13/26
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $399
Speaker: Bill Schmarzo
Location: Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids
Class ID: 162061
Bill Schmarzo, known internationally as the “Dean of Big Data,” is a data science and AI strategist, author, educator, and keynote speaker with more than four decades of experience helping organizations use data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to create real business value. He is the founder of Dean of Big Data, LLC, based in Ames, Iowa, and serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at Iowa State University and an AI Research Fellow at Coe College.
Bill has held senior leadership roles with major technology companies, including Chief Innovation Officer at Hitachi Vantara, CTO at Dell EMC, and Vice President of Analytics at Yahoo. His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations move beyond simply “using AI” to understanding how AI can strengthen decision-making, improve productivity, and amplify human expertise.
Beginner Level AI Classes
These quick classes are perfect for those with little to no experience with generative AI, or simply want a quick refresher.
New to generative AI? Learn what it is, how it works, and how to use tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude effectively at work. Practice real-world prompting techniques and leave with reusable examples and a starter project.
Date: Multiple dates available
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $39
Instructor: Chase Becicka
Location: Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids
Class IDs: Aug 26, 161483; Sep 15, 161484
A beginner-friendly introduction to artificial intelligence designed to make it simple, practical, and approachable. Participants will learn how AI works, how to use tools like ChatGPT, and how to write effective prompts for idea generation (prompt engineering), communication, and everyday problem-solving.
Date: Multiple dates available
Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $39
Instructor: Tara Allen
Location: Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids
Class IDs: Aug 31, 161323; Sep 2, 161304
Learn how to use AI to streamline daily tasks and reduce decision fatigue. Participants will create AI-assisted systems for scheduling, task management, planning, and personal organization such meal planning, budgeting, and travel.
Date: 9/9/26
Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $39
Instructor: Tara Allen
Location: Kirkwood Regional Center at U of I, Coralville
Class ID: 161318
Learn what AI is in plain language, how it's used in daily life, and how tools like ChatGPT can help with common tasks. This beginner-friendly class provides hands-on guidance in a supportive environment, no technology experience required.
Date: Multiple dates available
Time: Multiple times available
Cost: $39
Instructor: Wanda Johnson
Location: Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center, Hiawatha
Class IDs: Oct 6, 161385; Dec 17, 161386
Learn how AI is being used to create scams, misinformation, and fraudulent content — and how to spot the warning signs. Gain practical strategies for verifying information, protecting personal data, and staying safer online.
Date: 10/7/26
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Cost: $29
Instructor: Aicha Rochdi
Location: Kirkwood Regional Center at U of I, Coralville
Class ID: 161518
Intermediate Level AI Classes
Build on your knowledge for more practical business applications of AI to boost your skillset or career.
Explore a practical framework for evaluating AI initiatives beyond task automation to include organizational learning and long-term capability building. Bring real workflow challenges to class to identify opportunities for lasting business value, all in real time.
Date: 9/9/26
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $29
Instructor: Chase Becicka
Location: Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids
Class ID: 161537
Discover how AI agents can support real business workflows by reasoning through tasks, using tools, and assisting with operations. Learn the "Reason, Act, Observe" framework and design a simple AI-assisted workflow for your organization.
Date: 10/7/26
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Cost: $29
Instructor: Chase Becicka
Location: Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids
Class ID: 161538
In this hands-on workshop, learn how to build YODA, Your Own Digital Assistant, using your documents, expertise, values, and work priorities. By the end of the workshop, you will have a practical AI partner that can help make your job easier, your work more efficient, and your thinking sharper.
Date: 10/13/26
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $399
Instructor: Bill Schmarzo
Location: Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids
Class ID: 162061
Designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this course explores how to use AI to build customer personas, generate content, and develop full-funnel marketing campaigns. Students will learn how to create social media posts, email marketing, and messaging strategies aligned with their ideal audience.
Date: Multiple dates available
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $75
Instructor: Tara Allen
Location: Multiple locations available (Cedar Rapids & Coralville)
Class IDs: Oct 17, 161519; Oct 24, 161520
Questions?
Kirkwood Continuing Education
Phone: 319-398-1022 opt. 5
Email: contactce@kirkwood.edu