Demystifying AI: Understanding Today’s AI Technologies

Code	Date	Delivery	Cost
ITS-1963	Thu May 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm	Live Online : 1 session	$300

Before each live online session, Tech Training will provide a Zoom link for live online classes, along with any required class materials.

Explore how modern AI works, from machine learning basics to generative tools like large language models. Examine real-world applications, common misconceptions, and how to think critically about AI in your work.

Program Description

Artificial intelligence is showing up everywhere, yet the technology behind these systems often feels confusing or overhyped. This session offers a clear, practical introduction to how modern AI works at a conceptual level, what makes today's generative tools possible, and how AI is already being applied in research, education, and everyday workflows.

The session opens by grounding participants in why AI has become such a significant force right now, what conditions made its rapid rise possible, and why understanding it matters regardless of your role or field. Participants also examine limitations.

Learning Objectives

Learners will have the opportunity to:
- Explore the core ideas behind modern artificial intelligence
- Compare major categories of AI, including machine learning and generative AI
- Examine how large language models and image generators produce results
- Identify practical applications of AI tools across research and daily work
- Consider common misconceptions, limitations, and reliability issues
- Practice evaluating when AI tools are a good fit for specific tasks

Topic Outline

Topics Covered
The AI Landscape
- What counts as AI today
- Key milestones in modern AI development
- Major categories of AI systems

Why AI Matters Today
- The pace of AI adoption across industries and institutions
- Why this moment is different from earlier waves of automation
- How AI is reshaping roles, workflows, and decision-making
- Why AI literacy is becoming a foundational skill

How Modern AI Works
- Machine learning fundamentals
- Neural networks in plain terms
- Training data and pattern recognition

Generative AI
- How large language models generate text
- How image and media generation systems work
- Examples of generative AI tools and platforms

Capabilities and Limitations
- What AI systems do well
- Where AI struggles
- Accuracy, hallucinations, and reliability

Real-World Applications
- AI in research and education
- Communication, analysis, and creative work
- Examples of AI in everyday workflows

Responsible and Critical Use
- Bias and ethical considerations
- Evaluating AI-generated content
- Developing realistic expectations for AI tools

Custom training workshops are available for this program

Technology training sessions structured around individual or group learning objectives. Learn more about custom training

Special Group Rates

For groups of 5 or more within the same team or department, special rates are available. Please contact techtraining@stanford.edu for more details.

University IT Technology Training sessions are available to a wide range of participants, including Stanford University staff, faculty, students, and employees of Stanford Hospitals & Clinics, such as Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Stanford Medicine Partners, and Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Additionally, some of these programs are open to interested individuals not affiliated with Stanford, allowing for broader community engagement and learning opportunities.