UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

Fundamentals of AI

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For registration assistance: 608-262-2451

Schedule

Start anytime, complete within 90 days (3 months)

Registration through: June 30, 2027

All times shown in central time.

Format

Self-paced

Fee

$60 Retail standard

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be given after registration.

Summary

This course is entirely online and self-paced with no live sessions with instructors. You can register and begin this course at any time. It is designed to take the average learner 3-4 hours to complete.

This introductory course demystifies artificial intelligence by explaining what it is and how it works. You'll gain a fundamental understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and familiarize yourself with various AI tools. Learn how AI tools are commonly applied, as well as their strengths and limitations. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this course serves as a solid foundation for subsequent, more interactive coursework.

A digital badge is available for this course! Digital badges are online credentials that recognize professional learning — making them a powerful way to showcase your accomplishments to employers, colleagues, or on platforms like LinkedIn. By completing a short assessment at the end of the class, you'll earn a badge that highlights your new skills. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and stand out in your professional field. Find out more here.

Overview

Learning Outcomes

  • Define and explain what an LLM is and how it works.
  • Identify commonplace AI tools and their general uses, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Draft AI prompts as a starting point to elicit effective AI responses.
  • Describe how AI tools can benefit the speed and depth of work products.

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Earn Continuing Education Hours

By participating in this class you will earn:

Instructional Hours 4
University of Wisconsin Continuing Education Units .4

Explanation of Continuing Education Hours

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Program Questions?

Contact Laura Kahl at laura.kahl@wisc.edu

Registration Questions?

Email registration@cerc.wisc.edu or call 608-262-2451.

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Meet your instructors

Wendy Fritz

Wendy Fritz is the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning in the Wisconsin School of Business. She is deeply passionate about better learning for students in all higher education modalities – in-person, online, hybrid, and at scale. Wendy combines corporate change management experience with effective pedagogy and technology, specializing in teaching with artificial intelligence, to help instructors of all stripes teach more efficiently and achieve deeper learning for students. A lifelong learner, she holds an executive MBA, has various teaching certificates, is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, a certified Project Managment Professional, and is a board-certified functional nutrition practitioner.

Stacy Wilkes

Stacy Wilkes (She/Her), Founder of Goddess.ai & AI Visionary. With a background rooted in data analytics and a PhD in I/O Psychology, Stacy’s career is a testament to her belief in AI’s power to elevate society. At Goddess.ai, she leverages her decade-long expertise to foster inclusive technological advancements and empower underrepresented groups. Beyond founding her company, Stacy is an engaging educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she inspires leaders to navigate the AI landscape with confidence and ethical integrity.

Paul Kern

Paul Kern is the Senior Director of Learning Innovation for the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development (CPED). He has over 15 years of experience leading learning and development at corporate organizations. His specialties include instructional design, facilitation, eLearning, and learning strategy and innovation. Paul is an avid AI explorer and has lead learning and development teams in the health insurance, financial services, and executive learning sectors. He has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Winona State University and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also has his Professional Certificate in Online Education from UW-Madison.