The world is evolving rapidly, and stagnancy is not an option. Artificial intelligence (AI) is briskly reshaping industries. It is not only setting new standards for innovation; it is virtually changing careers. If you are a student or working professional, or if you are simply curious about what’s happening around you, knowing the basics of AI is the best way to stay abreast of the changing world. Since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022, each day presents a new use case of the disruptive technology, amplifying fears of job displacement. In times like these, upskilling is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
As of today, companies around the world are looking for individuals who can not only understand AI but also apply their knowledge and even collaborate with AI tools to solve problems and drive growth. Learning AI skills is, in a way, future-proofing one’s career, as it is likely to present new opportunities. From healthcare to finance, education, and entertainment, AI is making rapid strides in every sector. For those equipped with AI skills, the time is right to take advantage. However, if you are thinking of upskilling, you are also getting apprehensive about the cost. The good news is that you need not break the bank to get started.
Numerous renowned institutions and tech companies are offering top-quality AI courses for free. Be it a deep dive on machine learning, knowing the ethics of AI, or just a hands-on introduction, there is a wide range of free courses to pick from. In this article, we have listed some of the best AI courses that may help you level up at zero charge.
Google: Google AI for Anyone
In case you are new to all the AI cacophony, this is the perfect starting point for you. The search giant is offering a beginner’s course for anyone who wants to learn how AI is applied to real-world situations.
The course is being offered through the online education platform edX and is a self-paced course, meaning one can finish it at their own pace.
The course takes about four weeks to complete if the learner dedicates two to three hours a week. According to the platform, as the name suggests, one need not be well-versed in computer science or mathematics or have any background in AI.
No programming knowledge is required either. The course will have Laurence Moroney, lead AI advocate at Google, as the instructor. Students will get to learn what AI is, how it fits with ML and deep learning, the significance of data, applications of AI, etc.
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AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng
This is yet another foundational course that has been designed to help learners understand AI. The course comprises four modules and offers a flexible schedule. It is being offered by Coursera and has a 4.8 rating, with 98 per cent of learners reporting that they liked the course. Moreover, learners will also get a shareable certificate that they can add to their LinkedIn profiles.
In terms of the modules, students will get to learn what AI is, build AI projects, build AI for companies, and learn about AI and society. The course is instructed by Andrew Ng, a renowned British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur. He was a co-founder and head of Google Brain, and has also served as the chief AI scientist at Chinese tech giant Baidu.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) by IBM
This course being offered by IBM through Coursera is a great way to enhance one’s career. The beginners’ level course is flexible and can be completed at one’s convenience. It has four modules, namely, introduction and applications of AI; AI concepts, terminology, and application domains; business and career transformation through AI; and issues, concerns, and ethical considerations.
Students taking this course will get to learn new concepts from industry experts and gain foundational understanding of a subject or a tool. Moreover, they will also be able to develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects. Most importantly, learners will earn shareable career certificates.
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Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python by Harvard University
This is among the most popular free online courses being offered by Harvard University. One of the prerequisites to access this course is that the learner should have taken Harvard University’s CS50 Introduction to Computer Science course via the edX platform. This is a seven-week course that will touch upon AI algorithms, machine translation, handwriting recognition, game-playing engines, etc. Learners are required to commit around 10 to 30 hours per week to complete the course.
The module includes hands-on projects and lectures by David J. Malan, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science at Harvard University, and Brian Yu, Senior Preceptor in Computer Science at Harvard University. Even though this course requires CS50 and prior programming experience in Python, it is among one of the best programmes to pursue if one desires to upgrade their career.
Generative AI at SAP
This course by software giant SAP focuses on how generative AI is redefining businesses within SAP’s ecosystem. The course explains some foundational concepts such as large language models along with showcasing real-world applications.
This course has been tailored to suit business professionals and offers an in-depth understanding of how to use AI for innovations within organisations.
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The online course covers different approaches to AI and shows different use cases. It allows students to identify fundamental uses and business benefits of AI. The course is free and is self-paced; however, it does not offer a badge or certificate.
Introduction to Generative AI by Google Cloud
This is a micro-learning course offering the fundamentals of generative AI in just 45 minutes. It explains what generative AI is, how it operates, and what makes it different from traditional approaches to machine learning. It is ideal for creative professionals and tech enthusiasts who want to explore the role of AI in content creation and automation.
As part of the programme, learners will get to explore various generative AI model types and their practical applications. Moreover, students will also get introduced to various Google tools that are instrumental in the development of generative AI tools. Upon completion, one will get a digital badge that can be shared across their social networks.
IBM SkillsBuild: Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
This online self-paced course gives a comprehensive understanding of AI concepts. The course spans across machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical considerations in AI. Students will get to engage with interactive content and practical exercises to enhance their understanding. Once completed, students will get an IBM-branded digital badge which can be shared on LinkedIn and other networking platforms. This course is ideal for students, professionals, and educators who want to grasp the fundamentals of AI and its real-world use cases.
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Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn
This beginner-friendly course is offered by Microsoft and LinkedIn. This microlearning course has been designed to help professionals learn the fundamentals of AI. The course spans 5 hours and 43 minutes and features topics such as What is generative AI?, Generative AI: The evolution of thoughtful online search, Streamlining your work with Microsoft Copilot, Learning Microsoft 365 Copilot for work, Ethics in the age of generative AI, and Introduction to AI. Upon completion, learners will get a shareable certificate.
Introduction to Neural Networks and Deep Learning
The course from the edtech platform Great Learning is a programme for beginners and has been designed to offer a foundational understanding of AI neural networks and their applications in deep learning. Learners will get to understand key concepts like perceptrons, activation functions, architecture of neural networks, etc. Towards the end of the course, participants will get a clear view of how neural networks function and their significance for AI. The course also offers a shareable certificate upon completion.
While these are just a handful of courses, there are many more, and we will keep updating you about the same. It is important to understand that in order to stay relevant, one needs to adapt, learn and grow with AI.
