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New AI Course – Delivered via Text Message by the Department of Labor
Posted on 05/14/2026
The U.S. Department of Labor has launched Make America AI-Ready, a free, one-week introductory course designed to bridge the digital divide for workers. For educators in adult education programs (whether ABE, HSE, ESL, or CTE), this tool represents a unique opportunity to introduce AI literacy without the need for computer labs, stable Wi-Fi, or high-cost hardware.
Why It Works for Adult Education
The program is delivered entirely via text message, making it accessible to students who may only have a mobile phone or limited data plans. The curriculum is broken down into "bite-sized" 10-minute daily interactions, perfect for supplemental classroom activities or independent study assignments.
The 7-Day Curriculum Covers:
- Foundations: Understanding what AI can and cannot do.
- Application: Exploring real-world tools and use cases.
- Prompt Engineering: Learning how to direct AI effectively.
- Evaluation: Assessing AI outputs for accuracy (an excellent exercise for critical thinking and media literacy).
- Ethics: Using technology responsibly and securely.
Classroom Integration Ideas
- ESL/ELL: Use the daily text prompts as reading comprehension exercises or as a springboard for conversation practice about the future of work.
- HSE/ABE: Incorporate Day 6 (Evaluate AI Outputs) into lessons on fact-checking and research to help students identify hallucinations or biases in digital information.
- Digital Literacy: Use the enrollment process as a low-stakes way to build confidence with automated systems and professional technology use.
Want to learn more?
Educators and students can enroll by texting the word READY to 20202 or by visiting the official DOL AI-Ready website.
