Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Overview
AI is increasingly embedded in the tools we use every day shaping the ways we live, work, teach and study.
From generating or editing texts to searching smarter and creating images or data visualisations, AI is changing how we interact with information and communicate. To responsibly, safely and effectively use emerging technologies we need some understanding of how they work, what to watch out for, how to evaluate and position them, and how to use them ethically and transparently and in carefully considered ways with recognition of their potentials and challenges.
This module introduces the core concepts of AI, explores diverse ethical implications, and guides you through hands-on activities to build confidence in using AI tools. You’ll learn how to prompt effectively, evaluate AI-generated content, and clearly acknowledge AI’s role in your work.
Designed to help establish a general baseline foundation to build from, the content supports educators to navigate (and guide students in) the evolving AI landscape with some confidence, care, and critical insight. It also provides resources to integrate into your work, study and teaching.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of basic artificial intelligence (AI) terms, concepts, systems and contexts, including how AI technologies work and their underlying principles.
- Locate current Large Language Models and other AI developments in a context of historical and technological change(s).
- Recognise and consider how to address ethical and other issues related to AI technologies.
- Practice critically evaluating information, including source provenance, and self-assess expertise to verify AI outputs.
- Explore the safe use of AI tools to accomplish tasks, including developing basic prompting skills, and recognise the importance of iterations and documenting processes.
- Explain your AI use, transparently sharing how you collaborate with other intelligences to produce things.
Module details
- Online mode of delivery
- Self-paced, allowing you to engage with the content at a time and pace that suits your schedule