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AI Basics: Key Takeaways from Google’s AI Essentials Course

Last week, I invested five hours and $49 to complete Google’s AI Essentials course for beginners.

In today's post, you'll discover the three main types of AI tools, gain insights into effective AI prompting techniques, and learn the crucial limitations of AI that everyone should be aware of.

Watch it in action

Resources

  • Make a copy of my 5 favorite prompts for productivity
  • Watch my video on Prompting Techniques
  • How to use ChatGPT for Job Seekers (video)
  • Sign up for Google’s Project Management Certification on Coursera (and get the AI Essentials Course for free)

The Three Types of AI Tools: An Overview

In the world of artificial intelligence, not all tools are created equal. One of the first lessons from Google’s AI Essentials course is that there are three main types of AI tools that serve different functions:

  1. Standalone Tools: These are AI-powered software solutions that can operate independently, with no need for other software integration.
    1. Popular examples include ChatGPT, which functions as a general-purpose chatbot, and Midjourney, an AI image generator.
    2. These tools are accessible directly through their websites or apps, making them convenient for everyday use without the need for additional software.
  2. Tools with Integrated AI Features: These are applications that incorporate AI capabilities within their existing functionalities.
    1. For instance, instead of drafting content in Google Docs and then copying it to ChatGPT for improvements, you can use Google’s Gemini AI, which is integrated into Google Workspace, to enhance your writing directly within Google Docs. This saves time and simplifies workflows.
  3. Custom AI Solutions: Designed to address specific problems, these solutions do not require a high level of technical expertise.
    1. A notable example is the AI system developed by Johns Hopkins University to detect sepsis, which significantly improved diagnostic accuracy.
    2. In the business world, custom AI tools can help prioritize client outreach by analyzing large datasets, freeing up time for employees to focus on more strategic tasks.

Prompting Techniques for Beginners

Prompting techniques play a crucial role in optimizing AI outputs. Here are two underrated tips from the course:

  • Surface the Implied Context: Just like you'd consider your friend's dietary restrictions when suggesting a restaurant, you should provide background information when asking an AI for help.
    • For example, when preparing for a raise negotiation, mention past performance, industry standards, and recent achievements to ensure the AI tailors its advice to your situation.
  • Zero-shot, One-shot, and Few-shot Prompting: The more examples you provide, the more tailored the AI's response will be.
    • For straightforward queries, zero-shot prompts (no examples) might suffice.
    • For more complex queries, one-shot or few-shot prompts (with one or more examples) provide context that leads to more accurate results.

Know When to Use Advanced Techniques

When dealing with complex tasks, the course recommends Chain-of-Thought Prompting.

This technique involves breaking down a large task into smaller, more manageable steps.

  • For example, when writing a cover letter, instead of asking AI to draft the entire letter, you could prompt it step-by-step, starting with a compelling introduction, followed by the main body, and then a closing paragraph.

This method helps ensure each part is well-crafted and aligned with your objectives.

Understanding the Limitations of AI

Finally, it's important to be aware of AI's limitations:

  1. Bias in Training Data: AI models are only as good as the data they’re trained on. If the training data is biased, the AI outputs will likely reflect those biases.
  2. Outdated Information: AI models often have a knowledge cut-off date, meaning they may lack up-to-date information on recent events.
  3. Hallucinations: AI can sometimes generate incorrect or fabricated information. Always double-check critical information, especially for high-stakes decisions like medical advice or financial planning.

Pros and Cons of Google's AI Essentials Course

Cons:

  • Not ideal for those already familiar with tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.
  • Course examples can be vague and lack deep dives into specific AI use cases.

Pros:

  • Taught by Google experts who simplify complex topics.
  • Visually engaging with effective use of simple graphics.
  • Interactive exercises help reinforce learning.

If You Enjoyed This

If you found this summary helpful, you might enjoy my recap of Google’s FREE AI course, which covers more conceptual ground and is equally important for beginners diving into AI.

Feel free to explore the resources and other posts linked above, and as always, happy learning!