Course Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer something only used by tech experts. It is already part of everyday life, workplaces and small business, and many people are now looking for a beginner AI course, an introduction to artificial intelligence course, or a practical ChatGPT and generative AI course that makes this fast-moving area easier to understand.
This course is intended for adults who want to understand AI in a clear, practical and approachable way. No prior AI experience is needed. It is suitable both for complete beginners and for those who have had some casual exposure to AI tools but have not undertaken formal study.
In this practical introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, participants will learn what AI is, how generative AI tools such as ChatGPT work, and how AI is already appearing in everyday life, work and small business. The course explores practical uses for writing emails, summarising information, brainstorming ideas, planning, research support, communication and productivity. Participants will also learn how to give better prompts to get more useful responses.
Just as importantly, the course covers the limits and risks of AI, including inaccurate responses, misinformation, privacy concerns and responsible use of online tools.
By the end of the course, students will feel more informed, more confident and better equipped to use AI thoughtfully, safely and effectively in everyday life and work.
This course is ideal for adult learners who want a plain-English, supportive and practical introduction to AI without technical jargon or specialist knowledge.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!
What you will learn
Course outline
In this Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, you will learn:
- What AI actually is, in plain language
- How AI is already part of everyday life (search, recommendations, voice assistants)
- The difference between AI that predicts and AI that generates
- A hands-on look at tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini
- Understanding why AI gets things wrong, and how to spot it
- Privacy, data and staying safe when using AI tools
- How to ask AI better questions (prompting basics, with live practice)
- Using AI for emails, summaries, planning and brainstorming
- Saving time on everyday admin and communication
- Real examples for work, small business and personal life
- Refining and improving AI responses when the first answer isn't good enough
- When to trust AI, and when human judgment matters more
- Building your personal action plan: three realistic ways to start using AI over the coming weeks
Course outcome
By the end of this course, students will have a clear understanding of what Artificial Intelligence is and how tools such as ChatGPT can be used in practical, everyday situations. They will know the difference between types of AI and will have had guided experience using AI for tasks such as writing emails, summarising information, brainstorming ideas, planning, and improving productivity.
Students will also understand how to write better prompts to get more useful results and how to assess whether an AI response is accurate, helpful and appropriate. Just as importantly, they will have learned about the risks and limitations of AI, including misinformation, privacy concerns and over-reliance on automated tools.
Students will leave the course with greater confidence, a stronger sense of where AI may be useful in their own life, work or small business, and practical ideas for using it safely, responsibly and effectively.
What you need to know
Entry requirements
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is designed as a beginner-level introduction to Artificial Intelligence for adult community learners, including those with no previous experience using AI tools.
Participants should be comfortable with basic everyday use of a computer, tablet or smartphone, including opening websites, typing short text, copying and pasting, and using email.
What you need to provide
Please bring:- A pen and notepad for notes
- A willingness to participate and ask questions
- No textbook is required.
- Detailed course notes will be provided, and digital examples will be shown during the class.
Other information
This course will be delivered live in a classroom setting where the presenter will demonstrate examples of AI tools on screen and guide participants through practical uses and examples. Participants will follow along, observe the demonstrations, ask questions, and take notes throughout the session.
The course is designed to be interactive, supportive and easy to follow for beginners.
Important information:
This is a practical introductory course designed for beginners. No previous AI experience is required. Detailed course notes will be provided. The course is intended to help participants build understanding, confidence and awareness of how AI can be used every day.