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Understanding AI: Foundations, Tools & Prompt Engineering

Overview

This comprehensive workshop provides a foundational understanding of the core concepts, practical applications, and future implications of Generative AI. Delegates will discover how to leverage industry-leading tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot for personal productivity, research, and creative generation. Through a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on exercises, the course covers the transition from traditional computing to Large Language Models (LLMs), practical prompt engineering techniques, and the critical importance of responsible AI development, including considerations for bias, fairness, and transparency.

Why Should an Individual Attend?

  • Harness Productivity: Learn to use AI chatbots and image generators to streamline daily tasks, research, and creative workflows.
  • Master Prompt Engineering: Gain the skills to craft effective prompts that elicit high-quality, relevant outputs for business and personal use.
  • Navigate the AI Landscape: Understand the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of different AI models to choose the right tool for the job.
  • Ethical Literacy: Develop the foundational knowledge needed to apply AI responsibly, ensuring awareness of data privacy, transparency, and potential bias.

Outcomes

On completion of this course, the delegate will be able to:

  • Understand AI Fundamentals: Describe the history of Generative AI and how advancements in computer technology have shifted the industry.
  • Distinguish Between Models: Recognise the capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI chatbots.
  • Utilise Leading Tools: Confidently navigate and use the interfaces of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.
  • Engineer Effective Prompts: Apply structured prompt engineering to improve the quality of text and image generation.
  • Navigate Ethics and Limitations: Identify the potential impacts of AI on society and the importance of human judgment in validating AI outputs.

Program Outline

Module 1: Understanding Artificial Intelligence

  • The History of Generative AI Models.
  • Industry Shifts: How ChatGPT changed the technological landscape.
  • Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs): Strengths and Weaknesses.
  • Recognising the limitations of Generative AI.

Module 2: Using Generative AI Chatbots

  • Getting Started: What is an AI Chatbot?
  • Platform Mastery: * ChatGPT: Accessing, account types, and starting chats.
    • Gemini: Understanding Google’s AI and its specific limitations.
    • Microsoft Copilot: Accessing Copilot via the Edge browser and Windows.
  • Hands-on Practice: Working with examples of prompts for each platform.

Module 3: The Art of Prompt Engineering

  • Describing Prompt Engineering as a core skill.
  • Understanding the fundamental structure of a high-quality prompt.
  • Crafting better prompts to elicit precise results from chatbots.

Module 4: Generative AI for Images

  • Introduction to AI Image Generation.
  • The basic structure of AI Image prompts.
  • Tips for creating and refining image prompts.
  • Practical exercises: Creating images using Gemini and Copilot.

Module 5: Future Implications & Ethics

  • The importance of responsible AI development.
  • Addressing bias, fairness, and transparency in AI outputs.
  • The future of AI in the professional world.

Who Should Attend?

  • Professionals & Business Leaders: Anyone looking to integrate AI into their work to boost efficiency.
  • Researchers & Content Creators: Individuals seeking to leverage AI for data synthesis and creative asset generation.
  • Administrative Staff: Those looking to automate communication and scheduling tasks.
  • Technologists: Professionals who need a foundational grasp of the current Generative AI ecosystem.
  • General Learners: Individuals wanting to confidently navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI.
Dates and Times:
  • Thu 30 July 2026  08:30 to 16:30
  • Fri 31 July 2026  08:30 to 16:30
Type: Online
Venue: Online,
Fee: R 3 913.04 excl. VAT
R 4 500.00 incl. VAT
Validation Number/s:
ECSA CPD Points: 1.00
SACNASP Validation Number:
SACNASP CPD Points: 0.00
Coordinator: