Short Course
AI Fundamentals
A practical, tool-agnostic introduction to generative AI — Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot. Learn to compare tools, write structured prompts and apply AI confidently to real workplace tasks, all in one live 4-hour online session.
Upcoming Sessions
Training dates are subject to confirmation. Contact Careers IT for registration, venue and delivery-mode details.
What you'll learn
- Understand what generative AI is and where AI assistants fit in the tech landscape
- Compare Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot, and choose the right tool for the task
- Write structured, specific prompts using the Role, Task, Context, Format formula
- Apply AI confidently to real workplace tasks: writing, summarising, researching, drafting
- Run every AI output through the C.H.E.C.K. verification framework
- Identify and manage bias in AI outputs across different tools
- Apply South African regulatory obligations — particularly POPIA — when using AI
- Leave with a written personal action plan and a contribution to an AI use policy
Target Audience
- Business Professionals seeking productivity
- Managers & Team Leaders evaluating AI adoption
- Administrative & Support Staff
- Anyone new to AI
Session breakdown
| # | Time | Module | Format | What you leave with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 08:30 - 09:10 | The AI Landscape + Your First Check | 15 min talk + 25 min build | A working model of all four tools; first live C.H.E.C.K. |
| 2 | 09:10 - 09:50 | Getting Started - Live in the Tool | 10 min talk + 30 min build | A refined AI conversation + a document summarised |
| 09:50 - 10:05 · 15 min Break | ||||
| 3 | 10:05 - 10:45 | Prompting - Build, Don't Just Learn | 15 min talk + 25 min build | Four-element prompts tested on your own work |
| 4 | 10:45 - 11:25 | Real Task, Real Output | 10 min talk + 30 min build | A real task from your job, completed start to finish |
| 5 | 11:25 - 12:05 | Responsible AI - Stress-Test It | 15 min talk + 25 min build | Bias spotted and fixed; the POPIA legal floor locked in |
| 6 | 12:05 - 12:30 | Reflection, Action Plan and Q&A | 25 min build | A written personal action plan + AI use policy draft |
Programme details
Entry
Basic computer literacy · free account on any one AI tool · no prior AI experience required
Duration
4 hours online (08:30–12:30)
Accreditation
Certificate of Completion
Delivery
Live Online
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