5 Free AI Courses for Beginners in 2024
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Introduction
AI is rapidly reshaping industries and the job markets, making it ever more important to stay updated with the latest tools and trends. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or simply curious about AI in general, there’s no better time to start learning. The good news is, there are plenty of free courses available online to help you begin your AI journey. Here are the top five free AI courses for beginners in 2024 that we recommend, full of insight and practical knowledge, and yes…free.
AI For Everyone by Coursera
Taught by Andrew Ng, one of the most renowned experts in AI, this course provides a solid introduction to AI concepts. From machine learning to neural networks, this course covers the essentials in a beginner-friendly manner, making it ideal for those with little to no prior experience.
Why it’s Great for Beginners
As we often see with Coursera, the course breaks down complex AI concepts into simple, digestible lessons, with real-world applications. Plus, Andrew Ng's clear teaching style ensures that even those unfamiliar with AI can follow along without feeling overwhelmed.
What You Will Learn in This Course
“In this course, you will learn:
- The meaning behind common AI terminology, including neural networks, machine learning, deep learning, and data science
- What AI realistically can--and cannot--do
- How to spot opportunities to apply AI to problems in your own organization
- What it feels like to build machine learning and data science projects
- How to work with an AI team and build an AI strategy in your company
- How to navigate ethical and societal discussions surrounding AI”
Completion time: Approximately 6 hours to complete
Visit the Coursera Home Page or go to the Course directly to jump right in.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by IBM SkillsBuild
Spread over six interactive modules, this entry level course from IBM is perfect for those who want to gain important insights around the key types of AI as well as the historical foundations and an introduction to machine learning.
Why it’s Great for Beginners
This course is designed to engage students, being interactive and including quizzes throughout to keep you thinking and learning, the well laid out modules are perfect for those new to much of the terminology and technical aspects of AI.
“In this course, you’ll become familiar with fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) concepts, such as types of AI, methods that AI uses to find connections and make predictions, and ways that humans interact with AI systems.”
If the course leaves you wanting more, you can also enrol for Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals which combines 6 courses, with Introduction to Artificial Intelligence being the first in the series.
Completion time: Approximately 1-2 hours to complete
Visit the IBM SkillsBuild Home Page or go to the Course directly to jump right in.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by Udemy
This free course taught by Mohammed Shahin is another perfect-for-beginners course. The format is video based for those who prefer slightly less reading or interactive learning, though it does include some quizzes to further the engagement.
Why it’s Great for Beginners
The course is well delivered and broken down into bite-sized module to keep it digestible. There are no prerequisites to the course and you can complete on a self-paced basis, being perfect to those with a curious nature wanting to build their AI knowledge foundation.
“What you’ll learn
Get a sold overview and theory about AI
Understand the concept of machine learning Vs. Rule based programming
Understand how and where we can apply AI
Introducing to know AI methods like Machine Learning and deep learning
Getting to know AI fields
Understand AI development Process
Get some ideas about AI algorithms and machine learning types
Get an overview of Azure ML studio to develop AI model without coding experience”
Completion time: Approximately 1.5 hours to complete
Visit the Udemy Home Page or go to the Course directly to jump right in.
AI Fundamentals for Non-Data Scientists by Coursera (Offered by The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania)
For those looking to get started with AI from more of a business or professional perspective from the get-go, this opening course from the acclaimed Wharton School from the University of Pennsylvania is a great starting point. Excellently delivered by professor Kartik Hosanagar and associate professor Prasanna Tambe it provides a solid foundation for those looking to embark on their AI journey. It is also the first course in “AI for Business” specialization, comprising of 4 courses, and one we have personally taken.
Why it’s Great for Beginners
Although slightly more technical than our other recommendations thus far, this course also allows you to dig into important concepts such as machine learning and creating algorithms to incorporate into your business with focused tools. It also includes video interviews with companies directly involved with big data, offering some interesting insights into how large volumes of data might be managed in an AI environment.
Note this course may be free to audit, if you want to attain the course certificate you can register for the paid version.
Over the 5 modules you will cover
- Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
- Training and Evaluating Machine Learning Algorithms
- Machine Learning Applications and Emerging Methods
- Industry Insights (interview)
- Generative AI
Completion time: Approximately 3 weeks (at 3 hours per week) to complete
Visit the Coursera Home Page or go to the Course directly to jump right in.
AI Plain and Simple
Yes, we’re proudly tooting our own horn for the final spot! At AI Plain and Simple, our mission is to provide clear, concise, and easy-to-understand information on AI and related technologies. We sift through the latest developments across the web, distilling complex concepts so that anyone, whether they’re a beginner or experienced, can enhance their understanding and start leveraging AI in their daily lives.
What You’ll Learn with Us:
Continuously Updated Content: Our articles range from foundational AI knowledge to more advanced topics, ensuring you can grow your understanding at your own pace.
Cutting-Edge Product Reviews: As new tools and innovations hit the market, we’re here to spotlight those that rightfully stand out. Our product reviews focus on what’s worth your time and how AI can practically impact your life.
Transparency and Honesty: We pride ourselves on honest, community-focused content. Our reviews are based on real-world experience, ensuring you get trustworthy, unbiased insights.
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