Overview

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.

Syllabus

Generative AI Foundations

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.

Human Engagement with GenAI

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.

Ethical and Legal Implications of GenAI

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.

Impact on Society and Business

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.