Radboud in'to Languages is known as a provider of language and communication courses. How does AI fit into that picture?
Sylvia van der Weerden: “It may seem like a different world, but to us the combination makes perfect sense. Generative AI is essentially a communication tool. To work with it effectively, you need good language and communication skills. The quality of the output depends heavily on what questions you ask and how you formulate your instructions. That is precisely where our expertise lies.”
René Vermeulen adds: “Our experts have therefore immersed themselves in GenAI from the beginning, so we can help others develop the necessary communication skills for this.”
Where do you see the greatest need among professionals?
René: “Many people feel pressure to ‘do something with AI’. They don't want to be left behind, but neither do they want to just go along with the hype. They are looking for guidance: how can you deploy AI while maintaining control? And how do you make sure it really makes your work easier or better?”
Sylvia: “There are also many concerns and criticisms surrounding AI. We find that people need a reliable trainer who also devotes attention to this aspect. That is exactly what we offer."
What characterises the In'to Languages' approach?
Sylvia: “Our strength lies in the combination of academic, critical thinking and practical applicability. We are part of Radboud University, but we work daily with professionals from a wide range of sectors, including business, healthcare, and education. Our courses teach you skills that you can immediately apply in your work, as well as how to do so responsibly. Including when it is better not to use AI.”
René: “Our trainers also have broad expertise: they not only have AI knowledge, but also a strong background in communication and didactics.”
What courses do you offer?
René: “We are currently offering four AI workshops that are open to everyone. Our basic skills workshop is designed for people who are new to AI tools. The other three workshops are for professionals who already work with AI and want to go deeper. For example, learning to write with AI, from emails to reports, or building your own GPT to work more efficiently. We also offer a workshop especially for teachers who want to use AI smartly in their teaching.”
Sylvia: “We also create tailor-made courses, precisely attuned to your needs or what you want to work on as a team.”
What does this kind of course yield concretely?
René: “You gain insight into what AI tools you can use for what, where opportunities lie for your work or organisation, and what risks you need to be aware of. And very practically: time savings, better texts, new ideas, more creative classes... depending on what you use AI for.”
Sylvia: “We believe AI skills are indispensable in these times. Not to replace your own thinking or creativity, but to enhance it, in a way that suits your work and values.”
