Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact
What You'll Learn
- Learn how generative AI works
- Explore the benefits and drawbacks of generative AI
- Learn how generative AI can integrate into our daily lives
4 Modules
4 Hours
1 hr per module (approx.)
Rating
About Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact
With the rise of generative artificial intelligence, there has been a growing demand to explore how to use these powerful tools not only in our work but also in our day-to-day lives. Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact introduces learners to large language models and generative AI tools, like ChatGPT. In this course, you’ll explore generative AI essentials, how to ethically use artificial intelligence, its implications for authorship, and what regulations for generative AI could look like. This course brings together University of Michigan experts on communication technology, the economy, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, architecture, and law to discuss the impacts of generative AI on our current society and its implications for the future.
This course is licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 with the exclusion of the course image.
Skills You'll Gain
- AI Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence
- ChatGPT
- Data Ethics
- Generative Artificial Intelligence
- Generative Model Architectures
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact introduces the fundamentals of generative AI while exploring its applications, ethical considerations, and societal implications. Learners build a foundational understanding of how GenAI works, where it is used, and how to engage responsibly with these tools across industries and professional settings.
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: Overview of Generative AI
- What is AI and ChatGPT?
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Generative AI in Art and Architecture
- Introduction and Examples of GenAI APIs
Module 2: Human Engagement With Generative AI
- Generative AI’s Humanlike Output and Logical Reasoning
- Generative AI’s Perceived Accuracy
- Implications of ChatGPT’s Humanlike Output
- Pros and Cons of ChatGPT’s Humanlike Response
- Writing Good Prompts for ChatGPT
Module 3: Ethical and Legal Implications of Generative AI
- Ethical and Legal Implications of Using Generative AI
- Citing ChatGPT
- Bias in GenAI Training Data
- Bias and Discrimination in GenAI Output
- Data Privacy, Hallucinations, and Deepfakes
Module 4: Impact of Generative AI
- Impact on Society and Industry
- Society’s Response to New Technology
- Short- and Long-Term Economic and Societal Impacts
- Impact and Challenges on Business
- Emerging Trends on Using GenAI in Business
- Future Opportunities for GenAI Technologies
Grading Policy
You must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass the course and earn the certificate. Course materials and assignments remain available for self-paced learning.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
What People Are Saying
Society will reorganize itself in structural ways around Generative AI. .. Will this cause a fundamental restructuring of society? Maybe not the physical world, but certainly the world of information and the world of work.
Scott Page, PhD Professor of Complexity, Social Science, and Management, University of Michigan
