AI Essentials Explorer

Course Title:

NCC Short Course in AI Essentials Explorer

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to AI
• AI Limitations & Capabilities
• AI Tools & Models

Course Overview:

AI Essentials Explorer introduces students to the foundational concepts of AI, providing a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations, as well as the tools and models that drive its functionality. This badge equips students with the knowledge to explore and contrast AI tools and models, including large language models (LLMs), and understand their practical applications. It delves into the intricacies of the AI Blackbox, highlighting the transparency challenges within AI systems and their broader implications for individuals and organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Session 1: Introduction to AI

  Students will understand the foundational concepts of AI, including its capabilities and limitations, and the evolving role of generative AI in modern applications.

• Session 2: AI Tools and Models

  Students will explore and contrast various AI tools and models, including large language models (LLMs), to understand their functionality and practical applications.

• Session 3: The AI Blackbox and Model Functioning

  Students will analyze the concept of the AI Blackbox, examining the transparency challenges in AI systems and their implications for individuals and organizations.

Audience:

• Professionals: This badge is ideal for professionals from various industries and career levels, ranging from entry-level employees to executives. Whether you’re new to AI or have some expertise, the course offers practical knowledge to enhance your understanding and application of AI in your field.
• Students: Perfect for students from diverse academic backgrounds and disciplines, this course provides foundational AI knowledge suitable for different education levels. It bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications, empowering students to explore AI’s potential in their studies and future careers.
• Corporate: Organizations looking to upskill their teams or integrate AI into their operations can benefit from tailored versions of this course. The badge can be customized to address specific group needs and organizational goals, making it a valuable resource for driving innovation and strategic growth.

Pre-requisites:

This course is non-technical in nature and does not focus on developing AI algorithms. Instead, it emphasizes deploying existing AI tools through natural language understanding and reasoning. It is a non-coding course, meaning no prior coding or programming skills are needed. To succeed in this course, a good level of English proficiency is required, as effective communication is key when working with AI tools. Additionally, having strong common sense and critical analysis skills will help students engage meaningfully with the material and apply AI solutions effectively in various contexts.

Dedicated Time:

This module requires a total of 3 hours of active student engagement, covering all lessons, videos, podcasts, readings, and assessments. Additionally, students should allocate approximately 3 hours for reflection, digestion, and analysis to fully comprehend the material and its practical applications. This makes the total length of the module about 6 hours.

Learning Instructions:

To maximize learning outcomes, it is recommended to complete one session per day to ensure sufficient time for reflection and understanding. Approach each lesson with focus and engage actively with the materials provided. Use the additional reflection time to analyze the concepts and explore how they apply to real-world contexts, enhancing the depth and retention of your knowledge. Planning your schedule accordingly will help you achieve steady progress and a comprehensive grasp of the badge content.

Start Dates:

Currently open for enrollement

Language of Instruction:

English

Assessments:

After completing each lesson, students will take an assessment designed to track progress, reinforce learning, and ensure a comprehensive grasp of the skills and knowledge covered. These assessments, consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), evaluate understanding of lessons, videos, readings, and discussions. They focus on key concepts such as AI’s capabilities and limitations, tools, models, and transparency challenges. Each question is accompanied by a rationale for the correct answer, providing detailed explanations to enhance understanding and reflection. This structured approach encourages critical thinking, supports practical application, and ensures students achieve a well-rounded comprehension of AI fundamentals.

Instructor

Dr. Rachid J.

Course Material

The course material offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience, featuring instructor-led videos, deep dive exploratory animations, hands-on tutorials, carefully curated readings, and expert podcasts. The material is designed and presented in video, audio, and text formats, incorporating visuals and captions to maintain engagement and enhance the learning experience.

Sources & References

This work is built on a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of research on AI, synthesizing findings from top-tier journals such as MIT Sloan Management Review, Harvard Business Review, and leading AI and technology publications like Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research and Technovation. These sources provide a strong academic foundation, reflecting the latest advancements in AI theory and practice.
It also incorporates insights from keynote announcements and discussions by industry leaders, including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic, ensuring the content captures cutting-edge developments and trends in AI adoption.
Furthermore, the material integrates the instructor’s extensive experience in AI adoption and deployment, gained through collaborations with firms and organizations across diverse industries and sectors. This blend of scholarly research, industry intelligence, and practical expertise ensures the content is both cutting-edge and applicable, offering students a well-rounded and actionable understanding of AI.