AI Fundamentals

This hands-on course introduces Generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, and demonstrates how to generate text, images, and insights for business and professional use.

Participants will learn how Generative AI systems work and how to interact with these tools using effective prompting techniques. Topics include prompt structure, tone and style control, and evaluating AI-generated outputs.

The course also covers real-world applications, limitations, and best practices for responsible AI use. Instruction includes lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises.

• What Generative AI is and how it is being used in modern business environments
• What prompting is and how to effectively communicate with Generative AI tools to produce high-quality results
• Important disclaimers, system limitations, handling data privacy, and appropriate business
• High level overview of how Generative AI systems work and what makes these tools different than previous AI systems
• What hallucinations and confabulations are, why they occur, and how to identify and mitigate them
• Practical ways to use Generative AI in the workplace to improve productivity, communication, and decision-making
• Factors that impact Generative AI responses, including prompt structure, context, and user input
• Proven prompting techniques with live demonstrations, to improve consistency, accuracy, and usefulness of outputs

• Basic computer knowledge
• Access to the free versions of ChatGPT or Copilot Chat (recommended for hands-on participation)

• Administrative professionals and support staff
• Managers and team leaders
• Business analysts and project managers
• Marketing, communications, and content professionals
• Educators and trainers
• Government and corporate staff seeking practical AI skills

No prior experience with Generative AI is required.