Is it okay to digitize slides of Rennaisance artwork and use them for my online course?

Although, the works are in the public domain, the slides are probably not. Either the Art Institute or the photographer owns the copyright, depending on whether it was produced as a work for hire. If, on the other hand, you could legally take that photo yourself, it would be permissible because you would own the copyright for the slide. (Subject to any museum conditions for taking the slide.).