Explore the world of modern AI — learn how to use chatbots, computer vision, and machine translation tools to enhance your daily life and productivity. No coding required.
Introduction to Modern AI is an interactive, beginner-friendly course that provides a foundational understanding of modern artificial intelligence concepts and applications. Through 50 video lectures, 16 hands-on chatbot prompting exercises, and practice with popular AI tools, learners explore how AI works in areas such as computer vision, machine translation, and natural language processing. The course covers how to use and prompt popular chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude across seven practical use cases — Expand, Synthesize, Transform, Evaluate, Chat, Take Actions, and Input Images and Text. No prior knowledge of AI or coding is required.
Curriculum Chapters
- Module 0: AI and Machine Learning (Introduction)
- Module 1.1: Computer Vision
- Module 1.2: Machine Translation
- Module 1.3: Chatbots Overview
- Module 1.4: Ways to Use Chatbots (16 prompting exercises)
- Module 1.5: Generative AI and Key Vocabulary
- Module 2: Open-Ended Project
Skills You Will Learn
Define key AI concepts including machine learning, models, and generative vs. non-generative AI. Apply computer vision techniques such as object detection, similarity search, image segmentation, and OCR. Understand machine translation challenges including word order, context, and idiomatic expressions. Use and compare popular chatbots including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Write effective prompts using techniques such as few-shot prompting, assigning personas, and breaking tasks into sub-tasks. Apply chatbots across 16 distinct tasks including answering questions, summarizing, translating, fact-checking, mock interviews, image generation, and personal assistant use. Recognize chatbot limitations such as hallucinations and memory constraints. Understand generative AI vocabulary including transformers, foundation models, pre-training, GPT, and RAG.
Technologies Used
ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude & other popular chatbots
Computer vision and image recognition apps
Online machine translation tools
Image generation tools
Any internet-connected device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop)
Course Details
Course Type: Free self-paced
Time: 6 Hours
Modules: 2
Labs: 16 chatbot prompting exercises & 1 open-ended video project
Prerequisites
None. Basic computer or smartphone skills recommended.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: This course is part of Cisco Networking Academy’s AI learning portfolio. It provides foundational AI literacy skills relevant to any career path, and is particularly valuable for learners exploring roles in AI-assisted productivity, content creation, data analysis, and technology adoption. The course aligns with Cisco’s broader commitment to preparing learners for an AI-enabled workforce.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Share your verified achievement on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the Introduction to Modern AI course and achieved this student level credential. Earner can define foundational AI concepts, apply computer vision and machine translation tools, use popular chatbots effectively with prompt engineering techniques, and demonstrate practical AI skills through a hands-on open-ended project.
Ready to Start This Course?
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