Generative AI: Introduction and Applications
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Generative AI: Introduction and Applications
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: Rav Ahuja
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What you'll learn
Describe generative AI and distinguish it from discriminative AI.
Describe the capabilities of generative AI and its use cases in the real world.
Identify the applications of generative AI in different sectors and industries.
Explore common generative AI models and tools for text, code, image, audio, and video generation.
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Tools you'll learn
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- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 3 modules in this course
This course is designed for everyone—professionals, executives, students, and enthusiasts—interested in learning about generative AI and leveraging its capabilities in their work and lives.
It is your first step toward understanding the power of generative AI, driven by models such as large language models (LLMs). In this course, you will learn the fundamentals and evolution of generative AI, with additional readings and expert insights offering a deeper view of its history and advancements. You will explore its capabilities across text, image, audio, video, virtual worlds, code, and data, with key takeaways and enhanced summaries at the end of each section to reinforce learning. You will understand the applications of generative AI in industries such as IT, finance, healthcare, education, entertainment, and human resources. You will also discover the features of popular tools and models, including GPT, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and Synthesia. Hands-on labs provide opportunities to practice using IBM Generative AI Classroom and tools such as ChatGPT. You will also hear from industry practitioners sharing real-world insights. Interactive activities, podcasts, and scenario-based exercises help you apply concepts, while a final practical project consolidates your skills by generating and refining outputs across multiple formats.
In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and how it differs from discriminative AI. You will also discover the capabilities of generative AI for generating text, image, code, speech, and video as well as for data augmentation.
What's included
8 videos4 readings2 assignments1 app item1 discussion prompt2 plugins
8 videos•Total 39 minutes
- Course Introduction•3 minutes
- Why Learn Generative AI with IBM•2 minutes
- Generative AI Fundamentals Specialization Introduction •4 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: SME Introductions•4 minutes
- Introduction to Generative AI•7 minutes
- Capabilities of Generative AI•8 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Generative AI Capabilities•5 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Exploring the evolution of generative AI•5 minutes
4 readings•Total 22 minutes
- Specialization Overview•2 minutes
- Course Overview•5 minutes
- Helpful Tips for Course Completion•5 minutes
- Lesson Summary: Generative AI and Its Capabilities•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Introduction and Capabilities of Generative AI•30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Generative AI and Its Capabilities•10 minutes
1 app item•Total 15 minutes
- Lab: Generate Text using Generative AI•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
- Introduce Yourself and Indicate Your Familiarity with Generative AI•10 minutes
2 plugins•Total 5 minutes
- Podcast: History and Evolution of Generative AI•3 minutes
- Podcast: Recap: Generative AI and Its Capabilities•2 minutes
In this module, you will learn about the applications and impact of generative AI in different sectors and industries, such as IT and DevOps, entertainment, education, finance, healthcare, and human resources. You will get an insight into how generative AI is making our work lives more efficient and successful. Next, you will explore the key capabilities and use cases of some commonly used tools for text, image, code, audio, video, and virtual world generation.
What's included
8 videos1 reading2 assignments1 app item1 discussion prompt5 plugins
8 videos•Total 54 minutes
- Applications of Generative AI •9 minutes
- Tools for Text Generation•8 minutes
- Tools for Image Generation•6 minutes
- Tools for Audio and Video Generation•6 minutes
- Tools for Code Generation•7 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Leveraging Generative AI Tools•5 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Exploring Generative AI Applications Across Domains•7 minutes
- Generative versus Agentic AI•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 2 minutes
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Applications and Tools of Generative AI•2 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Applications and Tools of Generative AI•30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Generative AI: Applications and Tools•10 minutes
1 app item•Total 30 minutes
- Lab: Image Generation in Action•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
- Generative AI in the Workplace•10 minutes
5 plugins•Total 108 minutes
- Economic Potential of Generative AI•15 minutes
- Lab: Text Generation in Action•30 minutes
- Lab: Image Generation in Action with Microsoft Copilot•45 minutes
- Lab: Code Generation in Action •15 minutes
- Podcast - Recap: Applications and Tools for Generative AI•3 minutes
This module includes a graded quiz to test and reinforce your understanding of concepts covered in the course. The module also includes a glossary to enhance your comprehension of generative AI-related terms. The module includes an optional project, which provides an opportunity to practice generating text, images, and code through generative AI. Finally, the module guides you about the next steps in your learning journey.
What's included
2 readings1 assignment1 app item1 plugin
2 readings•Total 12 minutes
- Congratulations and Next Steps•10 minutes
- Thanks from the Course Team•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Generative AI: Introduction and Applications•30 minutes
1 app item•Total 45 minutes
- Final Project: Generating Text, Images, and Code•45 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
- Glossary: Generative AI: Introduction and Applications•15 minutes
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Reviewed on May 14, 2024
I definitely appreciated that this didn't cover just text-to-image tools. I feel that even if someone is not new to AI, they might do something during this course that they haven't done before.
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025
Very detailed about generative and agentic AI, and also introduces other, less-known forms of AI that assist with video generation, audio production, and coding.
Reviewed on Jan 21, 2025
Very good Into to AI, with in depth descriptions of GenAI tools and their fields of application. Hands on exercises to consolidate knowledge and create contextual text, audio and video.
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