Artificial Intelligence, commonly known by its abbreviated term AI, has really taken the world by storm, albeit gradually. While it may feel like a recent phenomenon, AI didn't just appear overnight; it has been integrated into our daily lives for some time (some early AI assistants include Siri, Alexa, and Grammarly). In fact, the history of AI goes way, way back.
With the rapid expansion of these tools comes concern, particularly regarding job displacement, overreliance, and other issues. It’s also becoming increasingly difficult to determine whether what we see on the internet is real or generated by AI. And if you've been watching "Black Mirror," you know what could happen if we become a bit more careless with technology. We know that might be a stretch, but nothing is truly impossible these days… arguably.
While these concerns are valid, AI can also be an incredibly helpful tool, provided we learn how to use it responsibly. With tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other AI-powered platforms trending across the region, AI has become a practical skill. Luckily, there are online learning platforms anyone can enroll in to begin building AI knowledge.
Below are some of the best online classes and programs you can take to learn more about AI, which can help you future-proof your career or even provide a competitive edge in the job market.
OpenAI Academy
OpenAI, an American artificial intelligence research organization responsible for ChatGPT, is objectively the leading AI organization today. As the organization that ignited the generative AI boom, it is also partly responsible for guiding people and supporting AI literacy. With this in mind, they launched OpenAI Academy.
OpenAI Academy is a free learning platform designed to teach AI skills. According to the organization, the publicly available online resource hub aims to “help people from all backgrounds access tools, best practices, and peer insights to use AI more effectively and responsibly.”
The online hub offers workshops, tutorials, and discussion sessions. You can visit OpenAI Academy’s official website to learn more about the platform and stay updated on upcoming events.
Grow With Google
Grow With Google is an educational initiative that provides training and tools to help people build essential digital skills, with many resources available for free. The platform serves as a one-stop learning hub, helping people grow in their chosen fields even without prior experience. It is also ideal for those starting from scratch, offering practical resources and select certification programs. It really is called Grow With Google for a reason, as the platform helps you grow with their help.
According to Grow With Google, “AI offers powerful new ways to solve problems, unlock creativity, and boost productivity.” Helping people find opportunities in their businesses or respective careers, the platform lets users choose whether they need help navigating the digital world, getting started with business or career growth, accessing resources for crisis support, adapting to remote work, or preparing to start a career.
Some of the courses available include "Master digital tools for everyday tasks," "Tutorial: Get listed using Google My Business," “Build your competitive edge in e-commerce,” “Learn how to use Google Trends,” and more. Learn more about Grow With Google through their website.
Coursera
Coursera has been around since 2012, serving as an open online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer courses and educational programs worldwide. With the rise of AI, the platform has expanded its catalog to include a wide range of artificial intelligence–related courses. Through its Artificial Intelligence section, learners can explore courses covering AI fundamentals, including IBM’s "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence," which provides an overview of the technology and its core principles.
Some courses can be accessed for free through auditing options, while others require payment, a subscription, or enrollment in certificate programs. Certain subscriptions and programs may offer a 7-day free trial, so it’s best to review the terms and make the most of the available access.
Other courses include the University of Pennsylvania's AI for Business Specialization and Google Cloud's Generative AI Leader Professional Certificate. Click this link to check out the available courses.
LinkedIn Learning: AI Skills Paths
LinkedIn is a platform for professional networking, primarily used for career development and job searching. An employment-oriented social network, and with AI shaping the workplace, it’s no surprise the platform has its own learning hub that helps people navigate the ever-evolving world of AI. LinkedIn Learning’s AI Skills Pathways is a curated learning program created to help professionals develop and strengthen their AI skills, ideal for beginners.
All you need to do is sign up, select the courses that best suit your interests, and start learning, with course fees depending on subscription plans or certificate options. Some of the courses include “SEO Copywriting: Crafting Content for Both Humans and Search Engines,” “Marketing Analytics in Action: Drive Growth and Communication with Data Insights,” “Introduction to Video Lighting Techniques,” “How to use ChatGPT for Content Creation,” and many more helpful learning resources.
Check out AI Skill Pathways for more information.
