AI for Everyone: A Practical Guide to Understanding AI

New
·

4 Weeks

·

Cohort-based Course

💡 Master AI without the hype. Gain real-world AI literacy through clear, engaging lessons—no tech background needed.

Affiliated with

UCB News
Emory University
University of Miami

Course overview

Gain AI clarity & confidence—understand AI’s impact without the hype or jargon.

Unlock AI Literacy & Real-World Understanding


AI is reshaping industries, but most explanations are either too technical or too vague. This course bridges the gap—giving you a clear, practical foundation in AI without the jargon.


You’ll understand how AI works, demystify Generative AI, and debunk myths so you can engage with AI confidently—whether in your career, creativity, or daily life.


By the end, you won’t just know AI—you’ll know how to think about AI critically and apply it responsibly.

AI is reshaping the world—this course helps you understand it with clarity.

01

For professionals, creators, and AI-curious learners who want clear, practical AI knowledge—no coding or tech background required.

02

For curious minds, business leaders & innovators who want a clear, hype-free understanding of AI’s real-world impact—no expertise needed.

03

Lifelong learners & decision-makers who want to confidently navigate AI’s impact on work, society, and the future—without misinformation.

What you’ll get out of this course

Analyze AI’s core principles – Break down how AI learns, makes predictions, and impacts daily life.

📌 Outcome: You’ll gain a solid understanding of AI fundamentals, enabling you to engage in AI discussions confidently and recognize AI-driven technologies in your daily life.

Evaluate Generative AI – Explain how AI models create text, images & ideas based on patterns.

📌 Outcome: You’ll be able to explain how tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Gemini generate content, recognizing both their strengths and limitations.

Debunk AI myths with evidence – Critically examine misconceptions about AI’s impact, bias & risks.

📌 Outcome: You’ll be able to identify common AI myths, separate fact from fiction, and confidently discuss AI’s real-world effects with colleagues and peers.

Trace the evolution of Conversational AI – Compare early voice assistants to modern AI like ChatGPT.

📌 Outcome: You’ll understand how AI assistants evolved from basic voice commands to advanced conversational models, allowing you to interact with them effectively.

This course includes

4 interactive live sessions

Lifetime access to course materials

18 in-depth lessons

Direct access to instructor

5 projects to apply learnings

Guided feedback & reflection

Private community of peers

Course certificate upon completion

Maven Satisfaction Guarantee

This course is backed by Maven’s guarantee. You can receive a full refund within 14 days after the course ends, provided you meet the completion criteria in our refund policy.

Course syllabus

Week 1

Mar 3—Mar 9

    AI Foundations – What AI Really Is

    5 items

    Mar

    5

    Session 1

    Wed 3/511:00 PM—12:00 AM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 2

Mar 10—Mar 16

    Generative AI – How AI Creates

    5 items

    Mar

    12

    Session 2

    Wed 3/1210:00 PM—11:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 3

Mar 17—Mar 23

    AI Myths & Misconceptions

    5 items

    Mar

    19

    Session 3

    Wed 3/1910:00 PM—11:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 4

Mar 24—Mar 30

    Conversational AI – From Siri to ChatGPT

    5 items

    Mar

    26

    Session 4

    Wed 3/2610:00 PM—11:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 5

Mar 31

    Course Wrap-Up & Final Takeaways

    2 items

Bonus

    Bonus Resources

    1 item

Meet your instructor

Sophia Banton

Sophia Banton

My journey into artificial intelligence began with a single course that changed my trajectory forever.


After earning my BSc in Biology, I initially planned to pursue an MSc in Microbiology—until I stumbled upon a course titled Bioinformatics I, cross-listed in Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Science. That discovery reshaped my academic and professional path.


I went on to earn an MSc in Bioinformatics, conducting research on sex determination and sexual differentiation in vertebrates. My passion for interdisciplinary science led me to further graduate studies in Bioengineering and Biostatistics (Public Health)—giving me a deep understanding of both biological systems and computational modeling.


đź’ˇ From Science to AI & Responsible Tech

I started my career as a bench scientist, researching bacterial growth, viral mutations, and diseases like HCV. But my love for computational biology led me to bioinformatics and omics research, where I analyzed complex biological data.


In parallel, I spent several years as a Biology instructor, teaching Microbiology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and General Biology—honing my ability to explain complex topics in a clear and engaging way. That passion for accessible education led me to Udemy, where I’ve now taught over 2,600 students through my online courses.


Eventually, I transitioned into artificial intelligence, where I now work across various AI domains, including discriminative and generative AI. As an Associate Director in AI, I roll up my sleeves to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and apply AI to improve healthcare outcomes—combining technical expertise with real-world impact.


🔍 At the heart of my work is a commitment to Responsible AI—ensuring that AI systems are ethical, transparent, and aligned with human values. I believe that AI should empower, not exploit, and that guiding AI responsibly is just as important as advancing its capabilities.


đź’ˇ Beyond AI: Innovation in Science & Sustainability

My love for science and technology extends beyond AI. I’m also passionate about hydroponics—an innovation-driven approach to sustainable food production. Whether in AI, biology, or agriculture, I’m drawn to solutions that challenge conventions and create sustainable futures.


đź’ˇ Why I Teach

Education is the ultimate equalizer, and one of my greatest missions is to enhance scientific and AI literacy for learners of all backgrounds. With over a decade of college teaching experience, I’ve spent years breaking down complex scientific and technological concepts—making them clear, engaging, and accessible to all.


Through my teaching, I’ve helped thousands of learners grasp complex concepts, whether through my Udemy courses or through hands-on learning in this Maven program. This course builds on that foundation—guiding you through AI’s complexities in a simple, practical, and engaging way so you can confidently navigate the AI-driven world.


Visit my website for AI resources, articles, and updates, or connect with me on LinkedIn for discussions on AI’s real-world impact.


🚀 Let’s explore AI together and unlock its potential for you.

Course schedule

4-6 hours per week

  • đź“Ś Pre-Recorded Lessons

    🎥 2-3 hours per week

    Watch structured, easy-to-follow video lessons at your own pace. Each module breaks down AI concepts with clear explanations and real-world examples.

  • đź“Ś Weekly Projects

    đź“ť 2 hours per week

    Apply what you’ve learned through interactive exercises—analyzing AI tools, experimenting with Generative AI, and testing Conversational AI models.

  • đź“Ś Optional Live Session (Wednesdays)

    đź“… 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST

    Join an optional live Q&A to discuss concepts, ask questions, and review weekly content.

Free resource

The Biggest AI Myths People Still Believe – Free Guide

  • Think AI is coming for all jobs? That it’s 100% unbiased?
  • Many of the most common AI beliefs are wrong.
  • Get my free guide on the biggest AI myths—and what the truth really is.


đź“© Download this free guide and start thinking about AI differently.


🚀 Want to go deeper? Join my full course and build real AI literacy.

đź“© Get the free AI myths guide

Learning is better with cohorts

Learning is better with cohorts

Active hands-on learning

This course builds on live workshops and hands-on projects

Interactive and project-based

You’ll be interacting with other learners through breakout rooms and project teams

Learn with a cohort of peers

Join a community of like-minded people who want to learn and grow alongside you

Frequently Asked Questions

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Join an upcoming cohort

AI for Everyone: A Practical Guide to Understanding AI

Cohort 1

$500

Dates

Mar 3—31, 2025

Payment Deadline

Mar 31, 2025
Get reimbursed

$500

4 Weeks