What skills are covered in the Google AI Essentials course?

The course covers AI fundamentals, generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering, responsible AI use, and productivity-focused AI workflows.

How does prompt engineering improve results from generative AI tools?

Prompt engineering helps users provide clear context, instructions, constraints, and desired formats so AI tools can generate more useful outputs.

Why is human oversight important when using AI at work?

Human review helps verify accuracy, catch bias or errors, protect sensitive information, and ensure AI-generated content fits the task and organization.

Free online course Google AI Essentials

Duration of the online course: 3 hours and 40 minutes

4.5

(12)

Boost productivity with AI skills in this free online course—learn generative AI, prompt writing, and smart workflows to stand out at work.

In this free course, learn about

Core AI concepts and how AI differs from traditional software
How AI can transform workplaces by augmenting human capabilities
Ways AI tools boost productivity across industries (e.g., drafting, summarizing, analysis)
Foundations of generative AI and what it can create (text, ideas, outputs)
Prompt engineering basics and its role in guiding conversational AI tools
How to write effective prompts: context, constraints, examples, and clear desired output
Practical workflows for using generative AI tools in professional tasks
When to use generative AI vs. other approaches; key evaluation questions
What LLMs are and why they can hallucinate or produce inaccurate information
Why human-in-the-loop is essential: review, validation, and responsible decisions
How AI learns: basics of machine learning and training from data
How to stay current with AI tool advances and benefits of continuous learning

About the free online course

Artificial intelligence is changing how we write, plan, analyze, and make decisions at work. This free online course helps you build practical AI literacy you can use immediately, whether you work in business, technology, marketing, education, or any role that depends on information and communication. Instead of treating AI as a mystery, you will learn how modern tools actually fit into everyday tasks, where they shine, and where they require careful oversight.

You will develop a clear understanding of core AI concepts, including generative AI and large language models, and why their outputs can sometimes be unreliable. That context makes it easier to use AI responsibly: validating results, spotting gaps, and reducing risk when AI is used to support real decisions. The course also reinforces a human-in-the-loop mindset, showing why human judgment remains essential for quality, accuracy, ethics, and accountability.

A key outcome is learning how to collaborate with AI through strong prompt engineering. You will practice writing effective prompts that are specific, well-structured, and goal-oriented, so conversational tools can produce more useful, relevant output. This skill helps you move from vague experimentation to repeatable workflows that save time, improve communication, and accelerate problem solving.

Along the way, you will explore practical ways AI can boost productivity across industries, from drafting content and summarizing complex information to generating ideas, organizing plans, and supporting analysis. You will also learn how to decide when generative AI is the right tool for the job, and when traditional methods are better. By the end, you will be better prepared to keep up with fast-moving AI developments and apply new tools with confidence, curiosity, and care.

Course content

Video class: Google AI Essentials: Get essential AI skills from AI-Z 01m
Exercise: What is the primary theme of the text provided?
Video class: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Google AI Essentials 19m
Exercise: What is one way AI can transform the modern workplace according to Google AI Essentials?

Video class: Use AI Tools to Boost Productivity | Google AI Essentials 22m
Exercise: Which of the following applications of AI was mentioned as a method to enhance productivity in various industries?
Video class: Discover Prompt Engineering | Google AI Essentials 30m
Exercise: What is the primary role of prompt engineering in the context of conversational AI tools?
Video class: Every Google AI Essentials Course Lesson | Google 1h41m
Exercise: How can AI be effectively utilized to augment human capabilities in the workplace?
Video class: How To Use Generative AI Tools | Google AI Essentials 05m
Exercise: What is one of the primary ways generative AI tools can assist professionals in various fields?

Video class: How to Stay Ahead of the AI Curve | Google AI Essentials 13m
Exercise: What is one benefit of staying informed about new developments in AI tools and technologies?
Video class: How to Write Effective Prompts in AI | Google AI Essentials 04m
Exercise: What is an important factor when writing prompts for conversational AI tools to produce useful output?
Video class: Generative AI 05m
Exercise: Which of the following describes the ability of generative AI tools to perform diverse tasks?

Video class: Why Human Involvement is Essential in AI | Google AI Essentials 04m
Exercise: What is a key benefit of using a human-in-the-loop approach when employing AI tools in business operations?
Video class: When To Use Generative AI | Google AI Essentials 03m
Exercise: When evaluating whether to apply generative AI to a task, which of the following considerations is NOT one of the key guiding questions?
Video class: What are LLMs? | Google AI Essentials 05m
Exercise: What is a significant reason why large language models (LLMs) might produce inaccurate information?
Video class: How Does AI Learn? | Google AI Essentials 03m
Exercise: What is one of the primary functions of machine learning (ML) within AI tools as discussed in the text?