Course Catalog Computer Basics
AI Usage & Prompt Engineering
4 units / 22 items
This course introduces students to the rapidly developing world of AI, with an emphasis on the large language models (LLMs) that power today's AI assistants — like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude. These tools are now multimodal: alongside text, they can understand images, listen and speak, work with documents, and generate images of their own. Designed for beginners, the course covers the practical skills for engaging with AI responsibly and effectively.
Course Objectives
- Understand the basics of Generative AI, especially LLMs, and their role in generative tasks.
- Practice ethical usage of Generative AI.
- Learn clear communication strategies with Generative AI, called "prompt engineering."
- Apply Generative AI tools in practical scenarios for creativity, learning, and productivity.
Fundamentals of AI
How generative AI works under the hood — from neural networks and training to the LLMs and image models behind today's AI assistants.
- SlideshowIntro to Generative AI
- QuizGenerative AI
- VideoAI art, explained
- VideoWhy Neural Networks can learn (almost) anything
- LinkNeural Network Playground
- VideoWatching Neural Networks Learn
Ethical AI Usage
Overview of AI and ethics of engagement for generative purposes.
- SlideshowAI Ethics
- ArticleAI Fairness Isn't Just an Ethical Issue
- ArticleGenerative AI Has a Visual Plagiarism Problem
- VideoAI can do your homework. Now what?
- CheckpointReading - Responsible AI Use
- CheckpointHands-on Generative AI Exercises
Problem-Solving with AI
Principles of clear communication with AI through problem formulation.
- ReadingPrompt Engineering Approaches and Strategies
- ArticlePrompt Engineering 101
- SlideshowPrompt Engineering vs. Problem Formulation
- CheckpointReading - Working with Modern AI Tools
- CheckpointFinal Assignment - AI Application
Additional Resources
- Video"But what is a neural network?"
- VideoTransformers (how LLMs work) explained visually
- VideoThe moment we stopped understanding AI
- LinkWhat Is ChatGPT Doing... and Why Does It Work?
- ArticlePrompt Engineering 101 (Part II): Advanced Techniques