AI and cultural competencies - How will it serve me?
Helstu upplýsingar
Um námskeiðið
About the course
This course focuses on inclusion and cultural competencies, and how this knowledge can be applied in professional work and everyday life. Emphasis is placed on how culture, attitudes, prejudice, and power structures shape communication, decision-making, and access — both in human interactions and in digital systems.
Artificial intelligence is introduced as one of many tools increasingly used in contemporary society. The course examines how such technologies reflect cultural contexts, norms, and potential exclusion. The emphasis is on critical awareness, responsibility, and understanding of impact rather than technical mastery.
Throughout the course, participants work systematically on how the course content relates to their own professional roles, projects, and everyday situations, with the aim of strengthening cultural competence and inclusive practices.
Why choose this course?
- Gain in depth understanding of cultural competencies and why they matter in diverse societies.
- Learn how culture, background, and power structures influence behaviour, communication, and decision-making.
- Increase awareness of bias, exclusion, and invisible norms — in both human systems and digital environments.
- Understand how digital solutions, including AI, can reflect or reinforce cultural bias.
- Develop inclusive approaches in professional work and everyday life.
- Connect cultural literacy to your own field and professional context in a practical way.
- Explore how technology can either support or undermine inclusion.
What will I learn?
- What cultural competencies are, how they manifest, and why they are essential in professional and social contexts.
- How culture, social context, and bias shape behaviour, communication, and decision-making.
- How exclusion and discrimination can emerge — consciously and unconsciously.
- Understand how artificial intelligence and other digital tools reflect cultural contexts, data, and norms.
- How critical thinking and ethical approaches support inclusive use of technology.
- How participants can apply the course content to strengthen their own professional practices, projects, and everyday life.
Fyrir hverja er námskeiðið
For whom is this course
This course is for anyone who wants to stay up to date in their field by exploring generative AI for productivity. Also for those who are interested in the intertwining of Cultural Competencies and AI.
Skipulagið
Location, date and time
The course is facilitated from Wednesday to Friday from 9-15 on site at the Open University in RU.
- 3rd June 2026 - @9-15
- 4th June 2026 - @9-15
- 5th June 2026 - @9-15
Program in further details will be posted soon.
Hagnýtar upplýsingar
Practical information
- Facilitated in english
- Facilitated In person at the Open University at RU
- Lunch and light refreshments included during course
- Suitable for applying for an ERASMUS grant at home universities
- Payment with card if you are not a holder of an Icelandic bank account
Participants from abroad (not holding an Icelandic bank account) need to pay buy card.
When you sign up, please use the translation option in your browser.
- In the box: “Payer's ID number”, put in a ten digit number
- In the box: “Payment method” choose: “Payment card”
Application deadline: 1st May 2026
Location of RU and accommodation:
Located in Nauthólsvík, the Reykjavík University is just 2.5 km from downtown Reykjavík, making it easily accessible while offering a peaceful and modern learning environment.
The University is conveniently close to several hotels, making it an excellent choice for both local and international participants. It is also within walking distance of Nauthólsvík geothermal beach (a 5-minute walk) and the scenic Öskjuhlíð forest, perfect for relaxing walks or outdoor activities between sessions. Additionally, Perlan, one of Reykjavík’s top landmarks with a panoramic viewing deck and exhibitions, is just a short walk away.
Combining professional development with Reykjavík’s unique natural and cultural surroundings makes studying at Reykjavík University a truly enriching experience.
Verkefnastjóri
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