DGT 170 - AI Essentials: Building Fluency and Productivity with Modern AI Tools
Course Description
Please note...
Tuition for this course is funded by Microsoft Canada. There is no final evaluation in this version of the course, and online synchronous sessions are held as workshops with many students.
Please enrol in only one course section.
Discover how to harness the power of AI to transform productivity and simplify tasks. You will explore the fundamentals of AI, from its evolution and key concepts to ethical considerations and practical applications. You will dive into generative AI, advanced internet search techniques, and real-world scenarios that highlight AI’s impact on industries and inclusivity. This course will also expose you to practical use cases of AI through tools like Azure Cognitive Services, Microsoft Copilot, and Office 365 Copilot, helping you confidently integrate AI into your daily life and work.
Course Details
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of this course, successful learners will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts of AI
- Describe the workings of generative AI and Internet search
- Describe responsible AI principles
- Use practical tools like Azure Cognitive Services, Copilot, and Office Copilot
Topics
1. Introduction to AI: History, Types, and Key Terminologies
- Overview of AI’s evolution
- Key AI terminologies and their distinctions
- Applications of AI across industries
2 Fundamentals of Generative AI
- How generative AI creates content
- Common terms and concepts in generative AI
3. The Future of Internet Search: AI's Impact on Search Engines
- Mechanics of search engines, advanced Internet search techniques
- The role of AI in transforming search technology
4. Ethical AI: Principles for Responsible Use
- Fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI
- Privacy considerations in AI applications
5. Hands-On Lab: Enhancing Productivity with Azure Cognitive Services and Copilot
- Practical demonstrations using Azure Cognitive Services
- Real-life examples of Microsoft Copilot and Office 365 Copilot in action
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for anyone looking to understand and leverage the power of artificial intelligence, regardless of their technical background. Whether you're a business professional, student, or technology enthusiast, you'll benefit from learning the fundamentals of AI, including its applications in productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot and Azure Cognitive Services.
It's also ideal for individuals interested in enhancing their skills in AI-driven technologies, improving their understanding of ethical AI use, and exploring the evolving landscape of internet search. No prior experience with AI is required—just a curiosity to learn and apply AI to real-world scenarios.
Notes
This course does not include any assignments. The instructor will conduct a demo session on using various AI tools and services. Many of the Copilot features covered in this course are only available to individuals with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license or a Copilot Pro license. However, the strategies for crafting better prompts can be applied to any chat-based large language model (LLM).
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course, however, a basic level of familiarity with computer technology, office applications, and the Internet is assumed.