Explain AI and generative AI in plain language
AI Basics pathway page
Pathway 01 · Start here · 5 courses
AI Basics
Build a practical foundation in generative AI, responsible use, and the ideas that power today’s tools.
How this pathway worksKnow why you are learning.
Know why you are learning.
Practice with purpose.
Leave with a next step.
Courses are arranged as a recommended sequence, not a requirement. Start with the foundation if the topic is new, or choose the course that closes a specific gap. Progress here is a planning aid; provider completion and credential rules are separate.
Who this is for
Anyone who wants a trustworthy starting point before choosing a tool or specialty
Understand the ideas behind today’s AI tools well enough to ask better questions, check important outputs, and keep people responsible for decisions.
Recognize common strengths, limits, and failure modes
Use a simple responsible-use check before relying on an output
Before you startCourses open on the provider’s website. The Commons does not require an account, but a provider may require registration. Confirm current cost, certificate, language, accessibility, and participation requirements on the course page.
01
IBM SkillsBuildFoundation · IBM SkillsBuild
Introduction to Generative AI
Learn core generative AI concepts and earn an IBM digital badge.
View course details ↗Listing checked October 27, 2026 · Report a change
02
Google SkillsBuild · Google Cloud
Introduction to Generative AI
A short introductory course covering what generative AI is and how it is used.
View course details ↗Listing checked October 27, 2026 · Report a change
03
NVIDIA LearningBuild · NVIDIA
Generative AI Explained
Understand generative models, their applications, challenges, and opportunities.
View course details ↗Listing checked October 27, 2026 · Report a change
04
Course artworkBuild · University of Helsinki
Elements of AI: Introduction
A celebrated, non-technical introduction to AI with a free certificate.
View course details ↗Listing checked October 27, 2026 · Report a change
05
Microsoft LearnApply · Microsoft & LinkedIn
Career Essentials in Generative AI
Develop workplace-ready generative AI skills through a certificate pathway.
View course details ↗Listing checked October 27, 2026 · Report a change
Final milestone
Show what you can now explain, evaluate, or make.
Use this pathway to complete one small piece of evidence: explain ai and generative ai in plain language; recognize common strengths, limits, and failure modes; use a simple responsible-use check before relying on an output. Document what you tried, what you checked, what changed, and the next question you still need to answer.