Best AI Courses for Beginners: Top Programmes to Start Your AI Journey

By
AI Institute
,
August 9, 2024

You have probably heard of AI tools like ChatGPT and maybe even tested them out a bit, but maybe you don't feel like you are using them as much as you should. AI can save you a huge amount of time if you have the right training to learn about the right tools for the right workflow. 

Selecting the right AI course can help you develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this evolving landscape. 

You'll find options ranging from introductory courses to more comprehensive programmes. Each course offers unique benefits to enhance your learning experience and equip you with practical AI applications.

1) AI Essentials by the Institute of AI Studies 

If you are looking to start learning about AI, there are many courses designed just for you. It's important to choose a course that covers the basics well and is easy to understand. You will learn essential skills and build a strong foundation that you can develop further.

Some of the top beginner AI courses include free and paid options. Many courses are available online, allowing you to learn at your own pace. For instance, our Ai Essentials Course offers live online sessions to help you move from a beginner to a pro.

The course structure is as follows:

Session 1: Getting Started

We’ll cover the foundations of AI and introduce you to the tools that will save you time each week.

  • Understanding AI for Non-Technical People: AI concepts in simple terms for beginners.
  • Free versus Paid. Understand which AI tools work best for different tasks.
  • Effective AI Prompts: Craft prompts to get the output you need.‍
  • Productivity AI: Slide decks, remote meetings, summarisation and video transcription.

Session 2: Data Analysis & Graphics

With a basic understanding of AI, we’ll now be building on this foundation by looking at some easy but powerful applications for AI to support you in completing tasks and providing new insights.

  • Data Analysis: Using the power of ChatGPT4o for data content extraction and analysis.
  • Image creation prompts: get the right image every time
  • Video: AI-powered tools for synthetic voice and video
  • Privacy & Policy: stay compliant with GDPR and the EU AI Act.

Session 3: Strategy, Analysis, and Planning

Now that you understand the AI tools that can support you each day, we'll look at how you can develop your own tools for specific tasks, freeing you up to focus on what really matters.

  • GPTs: build your own personalised model of ChatGPT trained on your own company data.
  • ChatGPT for proposals, grant applications, RFPs and more
  • Content Repurposing
  • Email Marketing augmented by AI 

Sign up for the Course here 

2) Applying Generative AI as a Business Professional

Generative AI is revolutionising how business professionals perform their tasks. By integrating AI tools, you can streamline operations and boost productivity. For instance, automating routine tasks allows you to focus more on strategic decisions.

Training in generative AI equips you with the skills to transform business processes. Courses like Applying Generative AI as a Business Professional teach you to use AI efficiently. This learning path covers various tools and techniques to help you adopt AI seamlessly in your daily work.

Generative AI also improves creativity in problem-solving. It provides new ways to analyse data and generate insights, helping you make more informed decisions. This can be particularly useful in developing marketing strategies or optimising supply chain management.

Some of these courses can be very long however and teach too much theory. You need to also learn by doing.

3) AI Foundations for Everyone Specialisation

The AI Foundations for Everyone Specialisation is an excellent starting point if you're new to the field of artificial intelligence. Offered by IBM through Coursera, this course is designed to make AI accessible to everyone.

This specialisation requires no prior knowledge of AI. It covers the basics of AI and its applications in various industries. You will learn about generative AI models, tools, and the real-world use cases of AI.

One of the highlights of this course is its focus on both technical and non-technical aspects. You will gain an understanding of core AI concepts, including machine learning and neural networks. The course aims to build job-ready AI skills that can enhance your career prospects.

The AI Foundations for Everyone specialisation is structured to be user-friendly, ensuring that learners can grasp complex ideas without feeling overwhelmed. Engaging content and hands-on projects help to reinforce the learning experience.

You will explore various AI models that generate text, code, images, audio, and video. These models are increasingly important in today's tech-driven world. This course can provide a solid foundation to understand and work with AI technologies.

4) AI For Beginners by Microsoft

AI For Beginners by Microsoft is a comprehensive course designed to introduce you to the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The course spans 12 weeks and includes 24 detailed lessons. These lessons cover essential areas such as Symbolic AI, Neural Networks, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing.

You will find hands-on lessons, quizzes, and labs to enhance your learning experience. This practical approach ensures you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The course also incorporates essential tools such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, which are widely used in the AI industry.

In addition, there is a focus on the ethical considerations of AI, helping you to understand the importance of responsible AI development and usage. This beginner-friendly curriculum is ideal for anyone new to AI and seeks to provide a solid foundation for further study or career advancement.

5) AI Programming with Python by Udacity

The AI Programming with Python by Udacity is also a good course for beginners. It covers the basics of Python programming and then moves on to more advanced topics like AI and machine learning.

You will learn to use Python, NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, which are essential tools for data analysis. The course also includes lessons on PyTorch and Linear Algebra, guiding you to build neural networks from scratch.

This programme is well-structured and designed to be beginner-friendly. With its practical approach, you will work on real-world projects that help solidify your knowledge. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding how AI algorithms work in real scenarios.

By enrolling in this course, you will not only gain a solid foundation in AI programming but also earn a Nanodegree that can boost your career prospects. This course is ideal for those looking to break into the field of Artificial Intelligence without prior experience.

6) Elements of AI by Reaktor and the University of Helsinki

The "Elements of AI" is a free online course designed to introduce you to the basics of artificial intelligence. Created by Reaktor and the University of Helsinki, this course is available to anyone with an interest in AI.

You don't need any prior knowledge in mathematics or programming to enrol. The course aims to make AI approachable and understandable. It covers what AI is, what it can do, and what it cannot do. The goal is to demystify the field of artificial intelligence and show how it affects our daily lives.

This course is available in multiple languages and has been rolled out in 22 EU countries. By completing the course, you can earn a certificate which you can showcase on platforms like LinkedIn.

Elements of AI encourage participation from a broad audience regardless of age or educational background. It aims to train a significant portion of the population in AI basics, making it a valuable resource for beginners.

7) Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques by Stanford University

If you are looking to start your journey in Artificial Intelligence, Stanford University's course on AI principles and techniques might be a good choice. This course covers foundational principles and techniques in AI.

You will learn about key AI concepts such as machine learning, state-based models, and variable-based models. The course also includes practical applications like search algorithms for finding the shortest paths and planning robot motions.

The course is designed to introduce you to problem-solving, reasoning, learning, and interaction within the realm of AI. By participating, you get a glimpse of how machines can engage in these activities, providing a comprehensive insight into modern AI.

Additionally, the course covers topics like Markov decision processes, game playing, constraint satisfaction, graphical models, and logic. Each module is designed to help you understand and implement various AI systems.

Offered online, this course provides flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Tools and resources are available to support your learning experience, making it accessible even if you are new to AI.

Stanford University is known for its rigorous academic standards, ensuring you receive a quality education in AI principles and techniques.

What Makes a Good AI Course

A good AI course provides a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and practical projects. These elements equip you with essential skills and real-world applications of artificial intelligence.

Curriculum Depth and Breadth

The curriculum should cover a wide range of AI topics. It must include essential concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. A broad curriculum ensures you get a well-rounded education.

Moreover, a good course will dive deep into these topics, providing detailed explanations and numerous examples. It should also introduce current trends and future developments in AI.

Instructor Experience and Credentials

Instructors play a crucial role in the quality of the course. Look for courses taught by professionals with significant experience in AI. Instructors with a background in both academic research and industry practice offer valuable insights.

Check their credentials and past teaching experiences. Experienced instructors can provide nuanced explanations and practical advice based on real-world situations.

Our Instructor Maryrose Lyons is a seasoned digital expert with over 20 years of experience, in our beginner-friendly AI course. Celebrated for her ability to demystify AI concepts, Maryrose will lead you through the process of integrating AI into your workflow, sharing prompts and techniques to help you maximise the value.

Hands-on Projects and Practical Applications

Practical experience is crucial in learning AI. Good courses include hands-on projects that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge. These projects might involve building AI models, analysing datasets, or using AI tools.

By working on real-world problems, you’ll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This practical approach ensures you're not just learning concepts but also how to implement them effectively.

Final thoughts

By investing in your AI education, you can harness the power of artificial intelligence to streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and drive innovation in your personal and professional life. Start your AI journey today and unlock the potential of this transformative technology.

Start your Ai journey today

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