Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of education, making significant strides that are reshaping how we teach and learn. Our students are already navigating this AI-augmented world, using advanced technologies in their daily activities. ChatGPT, for instance, is just the beginning, the tip of the iceberg, and what lies ahead promises to be even more transformative.
As teachers and educators, it’s imperative that we embrace this relatively new technology with open arms. Adapting and adopting AI is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about harnessing its potential to enhance our teaching methodologies and further our professional development.
Here at Educators Technology, I’ve dedicated a section specifically to educational AI, underscoring its growing importance in our field. I regularly share tools and resources that have direct relevance to us in the realm of education.
Today’s post is no exception. I’m excited to feature a selection of excellent and free resources from Google, designed to help you immerse yourself in the world of AI. These courses are not only free but also structured to be conveniently accessible, allowing you to learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your preferred environment.
They aim to equip you with the fundamentals of AI, providing valuable insights and skills that are increasingly becoming essential in our digital age. Whether you’re looking to integrate AI into your classroom or simply expand your own understanding of this dynamic field, these courses are an excellent starting point. Let’s dive in and explore these opportunities to enhance our knowledge and skills in AI, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of educational innovation.
Free AI Courses from Google
Here are five interesting AI courses from Google Cloud:
1. Introduction to Generative AI
This introductory microlearning course, aptly titled “Introduction to Generative AI,” is an essential starting point for educators and learners diving into the realm of artificial intelligence, particularly its generative aspect. The course breaks down the complex concept of Generative AI, making it accessible and understandable.
The course focuses on distinguishing Generative AI from traditional machine learning methods. This distinction is crucial in today’s evolving AI landscape, and understanding it can significantly enhance one’s grasp of how AI systems are developed and applied.
Moreover, the course doesn’t just stop at theoretical knowledge. It includes practical elements, like using Google Tools to create Gen AI applications, which is a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning. This feature is particularly appealing as it empowers learners to move beyond theory and actually apply their knowledge in creating AI-driven applications.
On completion, learners are awarded a badge, a tangible acknowledgment of their skill development. The course is structured to achieve specific objectives, including defining Generative AI, explaining its workings, describing various model types, and exploring its applications.
2. Introduction to Responsible AI
The “Introduction to Responsible AI” course, spanning 8 hours, is a vital educational resource for anyone interested in understanding the ethical implications and best practices in the field of artificial intelligence. This introductory-level microlearning course focuses on explaining the concept of responsible AI, highlighting its significance, and showcasing how Google implements these principles in their products. It’s a crucial course for educators, as it emphasizes not just the technical aspects of AI, but also the ethical considerations that must be at the forefront of AI development and usage.
One of the key features of this course is the introduction to Google’s seven AI principles. These principles serve as a guideline for ethical AI development and are a benchmark in the industry. By understanding why Google has put these principles in place, learners can appreciate the importance of ethical considerations in AI. The course also aims to instill an understanding of the need for responsible AI practices within organizations. This is particularly relevant for educators who are preparing students for a future where AI is ubiquitous.
For teachers and educators, this course offers deep insights into the ethical dimensions of AI, a topic of great relevance in modern education. It equips them with the knowledge to teach students not just how AI works, but also how it should be used responsibly, aligning with the broader goals of creating a more ethical and socially aware technological future.
3. Introduction to Image Generation
“Introduction to Image Generation” is an intriguing 8-hour course designed to immerse learners in the world of image generation through diffusion models. This course is particularly exciting as it delves into a family of machine learning models that have gained significant traction in recent years for their capability in image generation.
This course doesn’t just introduce the theory behind diffusion models; it also guides learners on how to train and deploy these models using Vertex AI on Google Cloud. This practical application is a major draw for educators and learners who are keen to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. Understanding how these models work and their real use-cases, especially in unconditioned and text-to-image models, is essential in grasping the advancements in AI-driven image generation.
Upon completing this course, participants are rewarded with a badge, which serves as a testament to their newly acquired skills in this cutting-edge technology. For teachers and educators, this course offers a deep dive into a specialized yet increasingly relevant field of AI, equipping them with knowledge and skills that are highly applicable in today’s technologically advanced educational environments.
4. Introduction to Large Language Models
The “Introduction to Large Language Models” course, with an 8-hour duration, serves as an insightful gateway into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs). This introductory micro-learning course is tailored to explain the basics of LLMs, their various use cases, and the innovative technique of prompt tuning to optimize their performance. Additionally, it provides a practical angle by covering Google’s tools that can be instrumental in developing your own Generative AI applications.
Completing this course not only enhances your understanding of LLMs but also earns you a badge, a digital testament to your newly acquired skills. The course is meticulously structured to achieve key objectives such as defining what LLMs are, describing their use cases, explaining the concept of prompt tuning, and introducing Google’s tools for Gen AI development.
related: 8 Best AI Tools of 2023
5. Generative AI Fundamentals
The “Generative AI Fundamentals” course is a comprehensive course. It is structured as a journey through three key areas: Introduction to Generative AI, Introduction to Large Language Models (LLM), and Introduction to Responsible AI. This progression is designed to deepen the learner’s knowledge in Generative AI and expand it to encompass the broader, more complex aspects of AI technologies.
The course includes a final quiz that tests the learners’ grasp of the foundational concepts in generative AI. Successfully passing this quiz earns participants a skill badge, a digital token of recognition from Google Cloud.
This course is a fantastic opportunity for educators and learners alike to solidify their understanding of Generative AI, Large Language Models, and the responsible use of AI, all of which are crucial competencies in the modern digital landscape. It’s an ideal next step for those who have completed the introductory courses and are looking to further their journey in the fascinating world of AI.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, these free AI courses from Google offer a remarkable opportunity for educators to delve into the dynamic and evolving world of artificial intelligence. From understanding the basics of Generative AI and Large Language Models to exploring the intricacies of Image Generation and the crucial aspects of Responsible AI, these courses provide a comprehensive learning journey. Each course, with its practical insights and theoretical knowledge, is designed to empower educators with the skills and understanding needed to navigate the AI landscape effectively.
The completion badges awarded at the end of each course serve both as a symbol of your achievement and also as a testament to your commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements. These courses are stepping stones towards integrating AI into our teaching practices and expanding our professional horizons.
As we continue to witness the integration of AI in education, it’s essential for us, as educators, to lead by example in embracing and mastering these technologies. By doing so, we not only enhance our own teaching methods but also prepare our students for a future where AI plays a significant role.
