We learn to think better when we can visualise data. This course explores and refines practical workflows with tools of artificial intelligence. Students learn to how to explore and refine outcomes-based workflows with AI tools. Skills learned during this training contribute to improved data literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to derive actionable insights from complex information.
Five days of workshops in Leiria. (40 hours)
During the in-residence portion of this course, we apply critical thinking skills to to break down simple and complex tasks. By examining case studies during afternoon workshops, we discover ways to integrate AI into daily routines through ethical and sustainable practice. As part of our coursework, we hear and see experts sharing how they have achieved unprecedented productivity through their digitally transformed workspaces. Roundtable discussions reveal the challenges we face to adapt and manage the delicate balance between technological efficiency and human creativity. This intensive training in Polytechnic Leiria addresses the crucial gap between potential and practice, equipping you with the strategies to not only coexist with AI but to thrive alongside it, turning data into decisions and insights into action.
Seven two hour Zoom active learning sessions. (14 hours)
An important part of Practical Workflows with AI occurs during a series of online calls spread across the eight weeks of the programme. The first part of each call follows an agenda to cover each of the main topics in the course. The Zoom sessions integrate hands-on breakout sessions to help us complete items on our task lists. The final three sessions feature presentations of group work and are recorded for review by external assessors.
Seven one hour campfire sessions. (7 hours)
During 15 minute sessions, we share samples of work arising from attempts to enhance personal productivity through the improvement of critical thinking, possibly with the ethical and sustainable use of AI.
One-on-one review session. (1 hour)
Individual review sessions allow everyone to show how we have used newly learned techniques to produce a higher level of personal productivity. Evidence from these sessions become part of the RUN-EU AI Showcase of Student Work.
Team Meetings. (14 hours)
Using suggestions offered during the residence portion of the Special Advanced Programme, we exchange ideas in peer learning sessions that result in the successful completion of team projects.
Independent Study. (64 hours)
Expect to read, view, and listen to Practical Workflows with AI. Course notes include links to accessible ebooks, PDFs, and audio files. It takes time to master the hands-on tasks cited in the AI Skills Cards and to prepare for team meetings.
Learn to improve your actual intelligence. Reclaim your focus by improving your critical thinking and by learning the ways you can make machines think better. This "Practical Workflows" course specifically tackles silent productivity killers. It helps you to combat information overload and to improve inefficient workflows.
15th of September 2025 to 16th of November 2025
English
ADVT08001 2024 Building A Second Brain. Five ECTS.
- Students and staff of all the RUN-EU member institutions
- Researchers affiliated with RUN-EU member institutions
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Short Advanced Programme, learners will be able to:
Demonstrate applied mastery of ten AI-related proficiencies by critically evaluating, integrating, and ethically deploying artificial intelligence tools to solve domain-specific problems, communicate insights, automate workflows, and support data-informed decision-making.
Create, curate, and publicly distribute a series of original images using Creative Commons licensing, demonstrating legal literacy, visual communication skills, and an understanding of open access cultural contribution.
Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to analyse, interpret, and present insights from complex data sets, demonstrating sustained contribution, critical reasoning, and reflective communication in a group project setting.
Selection criteria
- Extensive motivation (why would you like to take the course, how will you apply the course, what will you bring as a student)
- Wide representation of fields of study
- Balanced participation of RUN-EU member institutions
