Professor
AI Basics and Tools for Creativity
What You'll Learn
- Understand the relationship between creative work and AI technology
- Determine the correct tools for your creative work
5 Modules
5 Hours
1 hr per module (approx.)
Rating
About AI Basics and Tools for Creativity
Learn how to use artificial intelligence tools in your creative work. “AI Basics and Tools for Creativity” explores AI’s application to music and design along with a more general overview of the contemporary landscape of generative AI technologies. Analyze your work habits, enjoy hands-on experiences using different AI tools, view expert lectures, and engage in reflective writing that helps frame your engagement with AI tools. You will also learn how to identify AI-generated media, explore the limits of AI tools, and reflect on your preconceptions of AI. In addition to hearing from the primary instructors, learners will also hear from expert practitioners Adam Kunz and Aly Amedei, who use AI in their design practices. With this course, you will establish a strong foundation for how to apply AI in your creative work.
This is the first course in “AI for Creative Work,” a series exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the work of creatives.
Skills You'll Gain
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Generative AI Agents
- Generative Artificial Intelligence
- Problem Solving
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to AI Basics and Tools for Creativity, a course in the AI for Creative Work short course series. This course introduces the contemporary landscape of artificial intelligence and its role in creative disciplines. Learners will explore how AI tools can enhance creative practice, reflect on ethical and human-centered use, and consider how AI can amplify—rather than replace—human creativity and expression.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to the Course
- Video: Welcome to the Course
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Reading: Acknowledgements
- Reading: Help Us Learn About You!
Module 2: What Is AI?
- Reading: Course Introduction
- Video: Overview of AI in Creative Contexts
- Video: Demo: Music FX and BandLab
- Reading: Meet Aly Amidei
- Video: Lecture with Aly Amidei
- Reading: Activity: Perceptions of AI
- Discussion Prompt: Reflection on Perceptions of AI
Module 3: Enhance Your Creativity
- Video: Overview of Generative AI Tools
- Video: Demo: Testing the Limits of AI Tools
- App Item: Reflection on AI for Creative Tasks
- Reading: Spot the AI Generation
- App Item: Creative Break: Share Your Work
Module 4: Reflection on AI and Creativity
- Reading: Meet Adam Kunz
- Video: Demo with Adam Kunz
- App Item: Reflection on AI and Creativity
- Reading: Closing Remarks
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
- Graded: Knowledge Check
- Graded: Honor Code Quiz
Module 5: Bonus Content
- Reading: Hear from Voices in the Field
- Video: Voices in the Field: Charles Hiroshi Garrett
- Video: Voices in the Field: Garrett Schumann
- Video: Voices in the Field: Aly Amidei
- Video: Voices in the Field: Adam Kunz
Grading Policy
To complete the course, learners must earn an overall grade of 80% or higher. There is a knowledge check quiz worth 50% of your final grade and a reflection and honor code quiz assignment worth 50% of your final grade.
Lecturer
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
Specialists in any creative discipline, creative-adjacent workers, such as marketers, and directors of creatives can benefit from this series.
