Beginner to Advanced – The Best AI Courses You Can Take Right Now

A dynamic collage of scenes representing AI learning courses, featuring diverse people engaging in various stages of AI education from beginner to advanced levels.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and opening new avenues for innovation. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your expertise, there are numerous AI learning courses available from top organizations like Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, IBM, and Harvard. These AI learning courses cover a range of topics from foundational AI concepts to advanced generative AI techniques. This article will guide you through some of the best AI learning paths available right now, highlighting their benefits and the certifications you can earn.

Google’s Generative AI Learning Path

Google Cloud advertisement for Generative AI learning with colorful building blocks
Source: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/training-certifications/new-generative-ai-trainings-from-google-cloud

Google offers a comprehensive Generative AI Learning Path that includes ten courses designed to provide a deep understanding of generative AI. This AI learning path is part of Google Cloud’s Skills Boost program and covers topics such as large language models, encoder-decoder architecture, and the responsible use of AI.

Courses Included:

  • Introduction to Generative AI
  • Introduction to Large Language Models
  • Generative AI Fundamentals
  • Encoder-Decoder Architecture
  • Attention Mechanism: Overview

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: The courses cover both introductory and intermediate topics, making it suitable for learners at different levels.
  • Practical Knowledge: Includes hands-on labs to apply what you’ve learned.
  • Certification: Earn a completion badge for each course, which can be added to your digital resume.

Duration and Cost:

  • Each course takes about one day to complete.
  • Free to access, but a subscription ($29/month after a free month) is required for labs and badges1.

Microsoft’s “Transform Your Business with AI” Course

Microsoft AI learning logo with a futuristic network background
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/transform-your-business-with-microsoft-ai/

Microsoft offers a learning path aimed at business professionals who want to integrate AI into their organizations. The AI learning course focuses on planning, strategizing, and scaling AI projects responsibly.

Modules Included:

  • Leverage AI Tools and Resources for Your Business
  • Create Business Value from AI
  • Embrace Responsible AI Principles and Practices
  • Scale AI in Your Organization

Benefits:

  • Business-Oriented: Ideal for business professionals looking to understand AI’s impact on their industry.
  • Practical Application: Learn how to use prebuilt AI tools to build intelligent applications.
  • Certification: Completing the course earns you a professional certificate from Microsoft.

Duration and Cost:

  • Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
  • Free to access2.

LinkedIn’s “Career Essentials in Generative AI” Training Course

LinkedIn Learning logo emphasizing AI learning on a blue background
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/how-to-use-linkedin-learning/advance-your-skills-with-linkedin-learning-23744341

LinkedIn Learning offers a series of videos that cover core concepts and ethical considerations in AI. This AI learning course is designed for those looking to understand how generative AI can be applied in the workplace.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Generative AI
  • Streamlining Work with Copilot (formerly Bing Chat)
  • Differences Between Search Engines and Reasoning Engines

Benefits:

  • Expert-Led: Each video is hosted by an AI expert.
  • Practical Insights: Learn how to apply AI tools in various business scenarios.
  • Badge of Completion: Earn a badge that can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile.

Duration and Cost:

  • Total runtime of around four hours.
  • Free for the first month, then $39.99/month (or $14.99/month if paid annually)3.

IBM’s “AI Foundations for Everyone” Training Course

IBM AI Foundations for Everyone course on Coursera with a 4.7-star rating
Source: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/ai-foundations-for-everyone

IBM offers a beginner-friendly AI learning course through Coursera that covers fundamental AI concepts and practical applications using IBM’s AI services.

Modules Included:

  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Getting Started with AI Using IBM Watson
  • Building AI-Powered Chatbots Without Programming

Benefits:

  • Hands-On Experience: Engage with several AI environments and applications.
  • Flexible Learning: Learn at your own pace with a flexible schedule.
  • Certification: Option to earn a certificate with a Coursera subscription.

Duration and Cost:

  • Each module takes between nine and eleven hours to complete.
  • Free to audit, but a Coursera subscription is required for certification4.

Harvard University’s “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python”

Harvard CS50 Certificate for AI learning with Python awarded to John Harvard.
Source: https://cs50.harvard.edu/ai/2024/certificate/

Harvard offers a self-paced, seven-week AI learning course that delves into the concepts and algorithms at the foundation of modern AI. This course is ideal for those with a background in computer science.

Topics Covered:

  • Machine Learning
  • Neural Networks
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Computer Vision

Benefits:

  • In-Depth Learning: Comprehensive coverage of AI algorithms and applications.
  • Project-Based: Complete projects and attend lectures to reinforce learning.
  • Certification: Earn a certificate upon completion.

Duration and Cost:

  • 10-30 hours per week for seven weeks.
  • Free to enroll, but a certificate requires a fee5.

DeepLearning.AI’s “AI for Everyone” (Coursera)

AI learning course AI For Everyone on Coursera with a 4.8-star rating by DeepLearning.AI
Source: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone

This popular AI learning course, led by AI expert Andrew Ng, provides a broad overview of AI, including how to build AI into your business and its societal impacts.

Modules Included:

  • Introduction to AI
  • Building AI into Your Business
  • AI’s Impact on Society

Benefits:

  • Beginner-Friendly: No prior experience required.
  • Expert Instruction: Learn from one of the leading voices in AI.
  • Certification: Earn a certificate upon completion.

Duration and Cost:

  • Under 10 hours.
  • Free for the first seven days, then $79/month6.

Udacity’s “AI Programming with Python” Nanodegree

Three computer monitors displaying AI learning visuals with neon blue and purple lights
Source: https://www.udacity.com/course/ai-programming-python-nanodegree–nd089

Udacity offers an AI learning Nanodegree program that focuses on programming AI with Python. This course is designed for those who want to gain practical skills in AI programming and is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience in programming.

Courses Included:

  • Introduction to Python
  • NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib
  • Linear Algebra Essentials
  • Neural Networks
  • Image Classification

Benefits:

  • Hands-On Projects: Complete real-world projects to build a portfolio.
  • Mentorship: Access to mentors for guidance and support.
  • Certification: Earn a Nanodegree certificate upon completion.

Duration and Cost:

  • Approximately 3 months at 10 hours per week.
  • Cost varies, often around $399 per month, with discounts available for upfront payments7.

Conclusion

Investing time in AI learning can significantly boost your career prospects, whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills. The AI learning courses from Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, IBM, Harvard, and Udacity offer a range of learning paths that cater to different interests and skill levels. Many of these AI learning courses provide certifications or badges that can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. So, why wait? Start your AI learning journey today and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.



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