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Generative AI Resources for Learning, Teaching and Research

Your essential roadmap to AI mastery: Navigate curated resources and expert guidance.

Learning Opportunities: Pathways, Self-Study Options, etc.

Google AI Essentials

A self-paced online course via Coursera (approx. 4 hours, with a 7-day free trial) designed to build practical AI skills for everyday work. No prior experience required. Learn directly from Google AI experts how to:

  • Boost productivity with AI tools
  • Generate ideas, content, and plans
  • Manage tasks like email and research
  • Write effective prompts
  • Use AI responsibly

Includes applied projects where you practise creating text and images, planning, problem-solving, and evaluating AI outputs.

Certificate: Awarded by Google on completion.

Modules:

  • Introduction to AI (1 hr)
  • Maximise Productivity with AI Tools (1 hr)
  • The Art of Prompting (1 hr)
  • Use AI Responsibly (45 mins)
  • Stay Ahead of the AI Curve (1 hr)

Generative AI Leader Professional Certificate

A comprehensive training via Coursera for leaders on generative AI, covering core concepts (AI, ML, foundation models), strategic implementation, responsible use, and Google Cloud’s strengths. Learn how to boost personal productivity and drive organisational transformation with AI agents and applications.

Validate your expertise by registering for the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader Certification exam: Learn more

Applied Learning Project:
Hands-on “Try It” activities using:

  • Gemini app – content creation, summarisation, research
  • NotebookLM – synthesising information from documents
  • Google AI Studio – prototyping conversational agents

Gain practical skills to address real-world challenges.

Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE)

MSLE helps faculty embed AI and technical skills, plus industry-recognised credentials, into their teaching to prepare students for real-world success.

Free AI Bootcamps for Educators
Microsoft is offering virtual AI bootcamps (15–30 Sept 2025, multiple time zones/languages). Learn to use tools like Copilot, integrate AI and cybersecurity into your teaching, and ensure students graduate career-ready.

AI Skills Passport (AISP)
A free 10-hour online course (web and mobile) for students aged 16+. Covers:

  • What AI is and isn’t
  • Types of AI in use today
  • Ethics and responsible AI
  • Applications in business, sustainability, and tech careers
  • Employability in the AI era

On completion:

  • Co-branded EY & Microsoft certificate
  • Access to resources and career opportunities database

GenAI Literacy Programme

A free, self-paced programme open to librarians, students, researchers, and faculty who want to strengthen their AI literacy. Participants who score 80% or higher on course quizzes receive a downloadable certificate and digital badge (shareable on LinkedIn and other platforms).

Course Overview:

  • Foundations of AI – Explore the importance of AI literacy, the potential and limits of GenAI, and the main tools and technologies. Join the course!

  • Benefits & Risks of AI – Examine how GenAI is used in academia, its benefits for teaching and research, and challenges such as bias and hallucinations. Join the course!

  • Responsible AI – Learn the principles of responsible GenAI development, best practices for use, and how to choose tools thoughtfully. Join the course!

Each course is live and free to enrol in immediately.

Designed to boost confidence with GenAI tools and techniques, this programme helps learners showcase their skills with recognised credentials.

📧 For queries: libraryconnect@elsevier.com

UWC LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES

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Bellville,

7535

Tel: 021 959 2946