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There are 4 modules in this course
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.
In this module, you will get oriented to the course, explore the foundations of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), and discover how it enables machines to create new content such as text, images, and designs. You’ll learn from leading experts who explain how AI systems, such as ChatGPT and large language models, work, and examine how these technologies are shaping fields ranging from architecture to everyday communication. By the end of the module, you’ll have both a conceptual understanding of GenAI and hands-on experience using generative tools to see their potential in action.
What is GenAI? What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?•5 minutes
GenAI in Art and Architecture•5 minutes
8 readings•Total 22 minutes
Welcome to Generative AI Essentials: Overview and Impact! •1 minute
Ground Rules for Engagement•1 minute
Meet the Contributors•3 minutes
Pre-Course Survey•5 minutes
What is AI and ChatGPT?•1 minute
⭐️ Practice Using GenAI •5 minutes
Introduction to GenAI APIs •1 minute
Where to Learn More•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 3 minutes
Quiz 1 •3 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 7 minutes
Meet Your Fellow Learners•2 minutes
Sharing Examples of GenAI•5 minutes
Human Engagement with GenAI
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you will examine how humans engage with GenAI systems and explore the implications of AI’s increasingly humanlike output. You’ll hear from experts who discuss the accuracy, tone, and reasoning behind AI-generated responses, as well as strategies for writing effective prompts to interact with these systems responsibly.
What's included
4 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 18 minutes
GenAI’s Perceived Accuracy•4 minutes
Implications of ChatGPT's Humanlike Output•7 minutes
Humanlike Output & Logical Reasoning•3 minutes
Writing Good Prompts for ChatGPT•5 minutes
4 readings•Total 18 minutes
GenAI’s Humanlike Output•1 minute
Pros & Cons of ChatGPT's Humanlike Response•2 minutes
⭐️ Practice Optimizing Prompts•10 minutes
Where to Learn More•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 3 minutes
Quiz 2 •3 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 3 minutes
Considering GenAI’s Humanlike Output•3 minutes
Ethical and Legal Implications of GenAI
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you will examine the ethical, societal, and legal implications of GenAI. You’ll learn from experts about issues such as plagiarism, authorship, bias, discrimination, privacy, hallucinations, and deepfakes. The module also addresses questions of ownership and monetization of AI-generated content, as well as strategies for identifying flaws and mitigating ethical risks associated with it. By the end of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate GenAI outputs, understand the limitations of current AI systems, and consider responsible practices for using GenAI in professional and personal contexts.
What's included
8 videos6 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 40 minutes
Setting the Scene: Ethics in GenAI•4 minutes
Plagiarism & Attribution•7 minutes
Output Ownership & Monetization•5 minutes
Bias in GenAI Training Data•6 minutes
Representation in GenAI Training Data•5 minutes
Bias & Discrimination in GenAI Output•4 minutes
Data Privacy•5 minutes
Hallucinations•4 minutes
6 readings•Total 17 minutes
Ethical & Legal Implications of Using GenAI•1 minute
Citing ChatGPT•1 minute
Deep Fakes•2 minutes
⭐️ Practice Identifying Flaws in GenAI Outputs•8 minutes
Government Regulation•0 minutes
Where to Learn More•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 3 minutes
Quiz 3 •3 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 5 minutes
Addressing Ethical Considerations•5 minutes
Impact on Society and Business
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you explore how GenAI is influencing everyday life, work, and the economy. You look at how people respond to new technology, how jobs and skills shift, and how businesses use GenAI while navigating new challenges. You practice applying GenAI to workplace tasks and review emerging trends to spark your ongoing interest in learning about this fast-moving field. By the end, you’ll understand GenAI’s current impact and feel ready to keep building your knowledge as it evolves.
What's included
7 videos9 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 22 minutes
Society’s Response to New Technology•5 minutes
Effects on Human Capital•2 minutes
Prompt Engineering•2 minutes
GenAI, Business, & Entrepreneurship•4 minutes
Challenges for Businesses•3 minutes
Emerging Trends on Using GenAI in Business•2 minutes
Future Opportunities for GenAI Technologies•5 minutes
9 readings•Total 38 minutes
Impact on Society & Industry•1 minute
Short and Long-term Economic and Societal Impacts •2 minutes
Sustainable and Responsible GenAI•3 minutes
Impact on Business•1 minute
⭐️ Practice Writing Emails with GenAI•10 minutes
Where to Learn More•5 minutes
Unlocking the Future of GenAI•1 minute
Post-Course Survey•5 minutes
Continue your learning with the AI Collection from Michigan Online•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 3 minutes
Quiz 4 •3 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 5 minutes
Reflect on Your Learning Journey of GenAI•5 minutes
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Learner reviews
4.7
338 reviews
5 stars
77.28%
4 stars
17.10%
3 stars
3.24%
2 stars
0.88%
1 star
1.47%
Showing 3 of 338
J
JE
5·
Reviewed on Dec 23, 2024
Great introduction, with just enough "techie talk" for IT folks!
N
NS
5·
Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024
Curso excelente. Para quem gostaria de saber sobre os impactos que a GEN IA tem e terá futuramente na sociedade e um ótimo começo para entender o conteúdo .
M
MK
5·
Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025
Had a good learning experience with well curated videos and assignments.
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