Impact of AI on communication

Explore the transformative role of Generative AI in the communication industry!

In this course you examine how Generative AI is changing the work of communication professionals and how to use AI tools responsibly in practice. You will explore tools such as Gemini and Midjourney and learn how to make informed choices that protect quality, credibility, and a clear human perspective in your content.

In mixed teams, you will operate as a “content studio” and develop a social media campaign for “de lage landen”, a Flemish-Dutch cultural organisation focused on art, language, history, literature, and societal developments in the Low Countries.

Throughout the project you will learn how to integrate AI into your workflow: from idea generation and concept development to visual experimentation and copy refinement. At the same time, you will practise ethical evaluation: checking copyright, avoiding bias and making transparent choices.

By the end, you will have created campaign materials in an international team and be able to explain how AI supported your workflow, including the ethical considerations you managed.

Date:

9th of March 2026 to 24th of April 2026

Language of instruction:

English

1 ECTS credit
Academic recognition:

To be defined by each higher education institution involved in this COIL.

Eligible participants:

Open to students enrolled in the designated courses in Howest & NHL Stenden

How to apply:

Application for this product is closed.

Programme at a glance

1. Kick-off and introduction (online)
09 Mar 2026 :
Home Class
🎯 Introduction to the programme, expectations, workflow, and collaboration setup
⌛ 2 hours
2. Understanding the Challenge (online)
09 Mar 2026 :
Live Webinar
🎯 Understanding the challenge you will work on, explore the case and objectives
⌛ 2 hours
3. Learning the fundamentals of AI in communication (online)
09 Mar - 16 Mar 2026 :
Self-paced (individual)
🎯 Explore AI frameworks and ethical principles
⌛ 4 hours
4. AI tool exploration (online)
16 Mar - 20 Mar 2026 :
Self-paced (individual)
🎯 Discover the AI-toolset for content creation.
⌛ 6 hours
6. Coaching sessions (online)
16 Mar - 02 Apr 2026 :
🎯 On-demand guidance and feedback from coaches
⌛ 1 hour
5. The Low Countries (online)
20 Mar - 02 Mar 2026 :
Group work
🎯 Collaboratively develop campaign visuals and deliverables
⌛ 6 hours
7. Wrap up: Reflect & Share (online)
23 Apr 2026 :
🎯 Wrap up, reflect on learning, present insights, and complete peer-feedback
⌛ 2 hours

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Collaborative Online International Learning, learners will be able to:

  • Students can identify potential copyright problems, detect stereotypes and debate the importance of transparency when using AI image generators.
  • Students can write effective prompts (prompt engineering) and combine multiple tools to produce professional content.
  • Students can utilize online collaboration tools (like Slack or Teams) to maintain clear and inclusive communication in a remote, international setting.
  • Students can constructively resolve conflicts arising from cultural differences or remote work challenges within their project group.

Selection criteria

Only open to students from specific courses in Howest & NHL Stenden.

Involved organisations and persons

Howest University of Applied Sciences

Lead Organisation
  • Joke Hautekiet (Lead Instructor)
  • Timothy Kong (Instructor)

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Partner Organisation
  • Angela Dijkstra (Instructor)
  • Frits Van Essen (Instructor)

de lage landen

Partner Organisation
  • Tom Christiaens (Regional Stakeholder)
Product label: COI-IMPAICOM-01

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674