Ready to move beyond the basics? This entry-level course is spread across two 2-hour sessions, custom-tailored for lifelong learners. Moving at a deliberate pace, we focus on how AI can practically work for YOU. Whether drafting letters, summarizing documents, or researching travel, you will learn to communicate clearly with AI assistants for reliable results.
Explore advanced prompting techniques, context engineering, multi-step workflows, image and video generation, and the latest capabilities of leading AI platforms including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. The course also examines emerging security risks, AI-assisted productivity and the future direction of artificial intelligence. Suitable for professionals, creatives and experienced AI users looking to work smarter and stay ahead of rapid technological change. Bring your laptop or tablet for hands-on practice.
- The 2026 AI Landscape: Safely transitioning from traditional web search to modern AI digital partners (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini).
- Clear Communication: Hands-on guide to "The Art of the Ask"—prompting AI models for clear writing, editing, and reliable personal research.
- Daily Logistics: Using digital tools to summarize long articles, draft emails, organize schedules, and simplify travel planning.
- Home Practice Review: Dedicated time to share experiences, troubleshoot logins, and answer student questions.
- Fun & Hobbies: Safely exploring generative tools (Midjourney, DALL-E) to spark creative ideas, write stories, and generate custom images.
- Scam & Deepfake Defense: Critical media literacy using the "SIFT" framework to verify info, check facts, and spot automated financial scams.
- Ethics & Energy: Discussing the environmental impact of data centers and the societal roadmap ahead.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Identify Core AI Tools: Confidently open, log into, and select between ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for everyday personal tasks.
- Craft Reliable Prompts: Use contextual phrasing to get high-quality, relevant text and clear answers from an AI assistant.
- Enhance Daily Organization: Use text summaries and planning prompts to manage routine digital research, travel logistics, and letter writing.
- Identify AI Risks & Scams: Effectively spot AI-generated deepfakes, verify "hallucinated" data points, and safely identify digital phishing or clone scams.
- Troubleshoot Independently: Apply practical knowledge gained through between-session home practice to navigate everyday technical platform updates.
No prior AI experience is necessary. Students should have basic experience using a web browser. Please bring your own Laptop or Tablet (fully charged). We will use free versions of AI tools; no paid subscriptions are required for this course.
