Key Takeaways:
- The University of Hawaii system is expanding its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026 with plans to introduce an online AI literacy course
- UH aims to make a degree completion more accessible to students in Hawaii through online courses, filling gaps in current offerings
- The university seeks to provide local residents with an education that is more affordable, culturally grounded, and offers better value than out-of-state online providers
- UH President Wendy Hensel emphasizes the importance of higher education in developing critical thinkers and innovators who can lead the development of AI in the workforce
Introduction to AI Development at UH
The University of Hawaii system has made significant progress in developing artificial intelligence (AI) as an area of study and a valuable asset for the school. As UH President Wendy Hensel notes, "higher education is vital to developing the next generation of workers to be critical thinkers and innovators — workers who won’t just follow, but lead the rapid development of AI in the workforce." To achieve this goal, UH is focusing on making its education more accessible to a wider range of students in Hawaii. According to Hensel, "we need to make a UH education more accessible to more people in the islands." This includes introducing an online AI literacy course in 2026, which will provide students with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications.
Expanding Online Course Offerings
UH is also working to expand its online course offerings to ensure that students in Hawaii have the opportunity to complete a degree completely online. As Hensel explains, "sometimes two years of a program are available online, but not the third and fourth years needed to complete a degree." By filling these gaps, UH aims to create more flexibility for students to pursue their educational goals at their own pace and in a location that suits them. This is particularly important for students who may be balancing work, family, or other responsibilities with their academic pursuits. As Hensel notes, "offering degree programs completely online creates flexibility for people to pursue the amount of education they want, in a place and timeframe that they want."
Competing with Out-of-State Online Providers
One of the driving factors behind UH’s efforts to expand its online course offerings is the fact that many students in Hawaii are currently turning to out-of-state online providers to complete their degrees. As Hensel observes, "Hawaii is losing students to online providers that are out of state, even though the students are still in Hawaii." This trend suggests that UH can be more responsive to the needs of local students and provide them with an education that is more grounded in Hawaiian culture, more affordable, and offers better value than out-of-state options. By offering in-state tuition and a more personalized learning experience, UH aims to attract and retain more students who might otherwise look elsewhere for their educational needs.
The Importance of AI Literacy
The introduction of an online AI literacy course at UH is a significant development in the university’s efforts to prepare students for the rapidly changing workforce. As Hensel emphasizes, "we need to make sure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent." By providing students with a foundational understanding of AI and its applications, UH is helping to ensure that the next generation of workers in Hawaii is well-positioned to lead and innovate in their respective fields. As Hensel notes, "higher education is vital to developing the next generation of workers to be critical thinkers and innovators — workers who won’t just follow, but lead the rapid development of AI in the workforce."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Hawaii system is taking significant steps to expand its focus on artificial intelligence and online education. With plans to introduce an online AI literacy course and fill gaps in its current online course offerings, UH is working to make a degree completion more accessible to students in Hawaii. By providing local residents with an education that is more affordable, culturally grounded, and offers better value than out-of-state online providers, UH is helping to ensure that the next generation of workers in Hawaii is well-equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As Hensel emphasizes, "we need to make a UH education more accessible to more people in the islands," and it is clear that the university is committed to achieving this goal through its innovative approaches to AI and online education.
https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2026-01-09/artificial-intelligence-at-university-of-hawaii-asap