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Thinking of having a go at boosting your productivity using AI? Then, the Google AI Essentials course might be a good place to start!
But what will you learn from this new course on Coursera?
We’ll have a first look into all the aspects of this course in this review guide.
My Verdict: Google AI Essentials Course
As AI becomes more prevalent in today’s world, it is essential to have a basic understanding of its concepts and applications. The Google AI Essentials course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, its principles, and practical applications.
The course is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of AI, making it accessible to anyone interested in learning about this rapidly evolving field.
It is also suitable for professionals looking to upskill and stay updated with the latest advancements in AI technology.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Short course that can be completed quickly
- Taught by Google experts
- Hands-on exercises and projects to apply concepts learned
- Provides practical applications of AI in various industries
Cons
- Only currently available in 2 languages
- Not a recognizable career certificate
- Uses only the Google Gemini LLM
- Not suitable for those looking for an in-depth understanding of AI
What is The Google AI Essentials Course?
The Google AI Essentials course is an online program offered by Coursera in collaboration with Google. It aims to introduce the basics of artificial intelligence to beginners and equip them to use AI to increase productivity at work.
The course teaches you how to use AI in different applications, such as speeding up daily work tasks, creating content, and the necessary prompt engineering techniques and AI basics to get started on them.
What Topics Does the Course Cover?
The course covers a basic level of understanding in AI, as well as practical topics on how to use proper prompt engineering techniques to achieve the result you need from an AI.
Here are the course modules:
- Introduction to AI
- Maximize Productivity With AI Tools
- Discover the Art of Prompt Engineering
- Use AI Responsibly
- Stay Ahead of the Curve
As you can tell, the course covers a wide range of topics to give students a well-rounded understanding of AI concepts and their practical applications.
What Skills Will You Learn?
Through the Google AI Essentials course, learners will develop a foundational understanding of AI concepts and principles. They will also learn practical skills such as prompt engineering techniques, using AI tools for productivity, and responsible use of AI.
Some skills you’ll acquire in this course include:
- Understanding the fundamentals of AI and its applications
- Using AI tools to increase productivity
- Applying prompt engineering techniques for desired AI results
- Being aware of ethical considerations when working with AI
Why Take The Google AI Essentials Course?
The Google AI Essentials course is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning about artificial intelligence. It provides a solid foundation in AI concepts, practical skills for using AI in various industries, and the opportunity to learn from Google experts.
Here are some main reasons:
1. Easy to Learn and Apply
The course is designed for beginners, making it easy to understand and apply the concepts learned. The hands-on exercises and projects also provide practical experience in using AI tools and prompt engineering techniques.
2. Taught by Google Experts
The instructors of the Google AI Essentials course are experts from Google with years of experience in AI. This ensures that learners receive high-quality education from industry professionals.
Also, since the LLM you’ll be practicing on will be Google’s Gemini, this will be a good place to learn proper prompting techniques relevant to Google’s AI technology.
3. Relevant and Practical Applications
The course is not just theoretical; it also covers practical applications of AI in different industries. This makes the learning experience more relevant and valuable, especially for professionals looking to apply AI in their work.
With all the activity sessions and practice assignments, you’ll be getting lots of practice to gain confidence in using AI. This can help you familiarize with the interface faster, bringing you more benefit to your daily work tasks.
In this image below, you’ll see a simple prompt exercise for one of the activity sessions in the course.
4. Short Course Duration
The Google AI Essentials course can be completed in as little as 10-15 hours, making it a quick and efficient way to learn about AI. This is perfect for busy professionals looking to upskill in a short period while still balancing their work and personal commitments.
Who Should Take the Course?
The Google AI Essentials course is ideal for beginners and professionals alike who want to gain a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence. I believe it’s especially suitable for those looking to enhance their productivity at work and stay updated with the latest advancements in AI technology.
Some specific roles that can benefit from this course include:
- Business professionals
- Marketers
- Content creators
- Project managers
Of course, this isn’t limited to the use by professionals!
Being able to use AI can benefit everyone. For example, a homemaker can use AI to suggest recipes and dishes to cook based on ingredients. Or, a student can use AI to enhance their research and presentation skills. The possibilities are endless.
Related Questions
How much does the course cost?
The Google AI Essentials course is offered on Coursera at a cost of $49 USD. This is a one-time payment to unlock the course for a lifetime. However, financial aid may be available for those who qualify.
Alternatively, if you have a Coursera Plus subscription, this course is already included. Coursera Plus is a subscription program that provides access to 7000+ courses available on the platform. By payment a flat monthly fee of $59/month, you’ll be able to take on multiple courses at once.
Are there any prerequisites to taking the course?
No prior knowledge or experience in AI is required to take this course. It is designed for beginners and covers all necessary concepts from scratch.
Is there a certificate upon completion?
Yes, a certificate of completion will be provided from Coursera upon finishing the course. This can be shared on your professional profiles to showcase your skills and knowledge in AI. However, this is different from the professional certificates from Coursera like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The Google AI Essentials course can be completed in 10-15 hours. However, the duration may vary depending on your learning pace and schedule. The course is self-paced, so you can take as much time as you need to complete it.
Additionally, since this is a one-time payment, you have unlimited access to the course material, allowing you to revisit and review any concepts as needed.
Overall, it is recommended that students take the course at a steady pace to fully absorb the information and gain practical experience through the activities and assignments. So give yourself some time to practice too!
Is there financial aid available for this course?
Yes, financial aid is available for those who qualify. You can apply for it here. However, this is only given by Coursera on a case-to-case basis and is not guaranteed. It is recommended to apply for financial aid as soon as possible, as it may take some time for the application to be processed.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, the Google AI Essentials course is a valuable resource for anyone learning about artificial intelligence. It offers a comprehensive and practical approach to understanding AI, taught by industry experts from Google.
Its short duration and flexible learning options make it an excellent option for busy professionals or individuals interested in AI.
