5 Amazing Free AI Courses Online

InstantAI
5 min readDec 6, 2023

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Have you ever wanted to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you thought it’s too complex or expensive?

Well, I’ve got some great news for you! AI is not only super interesting, but it’s also something you can start learning for free, right from your home.

I’ve found five awesome online courses that won’t cost you a dime. Whether you’re just curious about AI or looking to improve your skills, these courses have got you covered.

1. AI For Beginners by Microsoft

The “Artificial Intelligence for Beginners” curriculum by Microsoft offers a comprehensive 12-week, 24-lesson program designed to introduce beginners to the world of AI.

Here’s a summary of what the course includes:

  1. Approaches to AI: The curriculum starts with different AI approaches, including symbolic AI with Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (GOFAI), providing a foundational understanding.
  2. Neural Networks and Deep Learning: Core modern AI topics like Neural Networks and Deep Learning are explained, with practical code illustrations using TensorFlow and PyTorch, two popular AI frameworks.
  3. Neural Architectures: Learners will explore neural architectures for handling images and text, covering recent models while noting that the latest state-of-the-art models may not be included.
  4. Diverse AI Approaches: The curriculum also touches upon less common AI approaches such as Genetic Algorithms and Multi-Agent Systems, broadening the understanding of AI.
  5. Exclusions: The course does not cover business applications of AI, classic Machine Learning, practical AI applications using Cognitive Services, specific ML Cloud Frameworks, Conversational AI and Chat Bots, or the deep mathematics behind deep learning. For these topics, other resources and courses are recommended.
  6. New Curriculum on Generative AI: A new addition is a 12-lesson curriculum on generative AI, covering topics like prompting, prompt engineering, text and image app generation, and search apps.
  7. Course Structure: Each lesson includes pre-reading material, executable Jupyter Notebooks (specific to PyTorch or TensorFlow), and labs for practical application. Some lessons also link to Microsoft Learn modules for further exploration.
  8. Student Resources: Students are encouraged to use the curriculum as a self-study project by forking the entire repository to their own GitHub account and completing exercises individually or in groups. The course includes pre-lecture quizzes, post-lecture quizzes, and labs.

This curriculum is perfect for beginners who are keen to get a broad and practical understanding of AI, with hands-on experience in using major AI frameworks.

How Long? It’s a 12-week adventure with 24 lessons. Not too fast, not too slow — just right.

How to Start? Jump in by clicking here.

2. ‘AI For Everyone’ is a popular Coursera course

Taught by Andrew Ng, a renowned figure in the field of AI and the founder of DeepLearning.AI.

Here’s a summary of the course details:

  • Instructor: Andrew Ng, a top instructor with a 4.8 rating from over 12,000 ratings.
  • Enrollment: Over 1.1 million students have already enrolled in this course.
  • Level: Beginner-friendly, suitable for a wide audience.
  • Duration: Approximately 10 hours total, recommended to be completed over 3 weeks at a pace of 3 hours per week. The course offers a flexible schedule, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.
  • Certificate: Upon completion, students receive a shareable certificate that can be added to LinkedIn profiles and resumes.
  • Modules: The course comprises 4 modules, focusing on a non-technical understanding of AI.
  • Skills Gained: Students will learn about the workflow of Machine Learning and Data Science projects, AI terminology, AI strategy, and the practical implications of AI in business.
  • Target Audience: Although primarily designed for non-technical individuals, engineers can also benefit from this course to understand the business aspects of AI.

How to begin? start by clicking here.

3. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers

The “ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers” course, offered by DeepLearning.AI, is an informative and hands-on program designed to teach the best practices in prompt engineering for AI application development.

Here’s a summary of the course:

Course Details

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Level: Beginner to advanced
  • Instructors: Isa Fulford from OpenAI and Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.AI and co-founder of Coursera​​.

Course Content

  • Focus: Using large language models (LLMs) to build new applications quickly and efficiently.
  • Skills Learned:
  • Best practices for prompt engineering.
  • Using LLMs for tasks like summarizing, inferring, text transforming, and expanding (e.g., writing emails).
  • Building custom chatbots.
  • Hands-on practice with the OpenAI API and Jupyter notebooks for practical experience​​.

Target Audience

  • Suitability: Ideal for beginners with a basic understanding of Python and also suitable for advanced machine learning engineers interested in cutting-edge prompt engineering and LLMs​​.

This course is an excellent opportunity for those looking to deepen their understanding and skills in AI, particularly in the areas of prompt engineering and application development using LLMs.

How to Start? Jump in by clicking here.

4. Ultimate GPT-4 Crash Course

The “Ultimate GPT-4 Crash Course” by Abhishek Hq is a comprehensive resource designed to help learners harness the capabilities of GPT-4, especially in areas like writing, copywriting, and marketing. Here’s a brief overview:

  • Course Focus: Teaches effective use of GPT-4 for enhancing skills in writing and marketing.
  • Resources Included: The course offers a wealth of resources including YouTube videos, Twitter threads, and more, to ensure a thorough understanding of GPT-4.
  • Content: Access to over 1000 AI tools and 300+ prompts, aiding in the practical application of GPT-4 techniques.
  • Target Audience: Ideal for individuals looking to leverage GPT-4 for business enhancement and personal skill development.
  • Availability: The course is currently available for free.

This course presents a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of AI, particularly in utilizing GPT-4 for business and creative purposes.

How to begin? start by clicking here.

5. Instant AI Prompt

InstantAIPrompts.com offers a unique and interactive platform for anyone interested in AI, particularly in the use of tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Midjourney.

Here’s an overview:

  • Purpose: It serves as a community hub rather than a traditional course, where enthusiasts and learners can gather to exchange and discover effective AI prompts.
  • Resources: The platform provides a wide range of prompts suited for various AI tools, helping users enhance their experience with these technologies.
  • Learning Support: Apart from prompts, it includes a dedicated page featuring the best free and paid AI courses, making it a valuable resource for continuous learning.
  • Audience: Ideal for both beginners and experienced users who want to experiment with AI tools and expand their skills through practical prompts.

Instant AI Prompts is an excellent resource for those looking to explore the creative and practical aspects of AI tools through community-driven knowledge sharing.

It’s a wrap

The world of AI learning is both vast and accessible, with a variety of free online courses and resources available. From Microsoft’s comprehensive “AI For Beginners” to the practical “Ultimate GPT-4 Crash Course” and the collaborative space of “Instant AI Prompts”, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, these resources provide valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.

They not only demystify AI but also open doors to innovative applications in various fields.

Embracing these learning opportunities can significantly enhance your understanding and skills in AI, paving the way for personal and professional growth in this exciting and ever-evolving domain.

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