Exploring AI Platforms: Choosing the Right Tool for the Task

Learners will gain insights into how to leverage the right AI tools for tasks ranging from creative content generation to data analysis, automation, and problem-solving.

Learning Objectives
1. Understand the core differences between leading AI platforms and their underlying technologies
2. Learn how to assess which AI tool is best suited for specific tasks, such as text generation, image creation, or data processing
3. Explore practical use cases for AI in creative, business, and technical fields
4. Gain hands-on experience with AI platforms, including the Stanford University AI Playground
5. Make informed decisions about ethical use, limitations, and potential pitfalls of various AI tools

Topic Outline

Introduction to AI Platforms:
- Overview of generative AI models: GPT, DALL-E, MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, and others
- Differences between text-based and other models. image-based AI models
- Milestone: Explore the Stanford University AI Playground and experiment with at least two different AI platforms

Choosing the Right Tool:
- Identifying the right AI tool for specific tasks: text generation, image creation, data analysis, and more
- Comparing features and capabilities: What makes each AI tool unique?
- Use case analysis: When to use which platform (e.g., creative work, technical documentation, content generation)
- Milestone: Choose an AI tool to solve a specific problem or complete a task (e.g., content generation vs. data synthesis)

Hands-On Exploration with AI Tools:
- OpenAI¿s models for text generation, summarization, and ideation
- DALL-E and MidJourney for image generation and creative content
- AI for data processing and automation: AI tools for business and data analysis
- Milestone: Experiment with different platforms in the Stanford University AI Playground to create content or complete a task

Integrating AI Tools for Complex Workflows:
- How to combine AI tools for more complex projects (e.g., integrating text and image generation)
- Using multiple AI platforms in a single workflow for greater efficiency and creativity
- Milestone: Create a small project using two or more AI tools in tandem

Ethical Considerations and Limitations:
- Understanding biases, limitations, and ethical concerns across different AI platforms
- Responsible AI usage: Ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability when choosing and using AI tools
- Milestone: Evaluate a use case for ethical and practical implications when selecting AI platforms

Prerequisites
- Completion of Generative AI Prompting Basics or similar foundational experience with AI tools
- Basic understanding of generative AI concepts and prompt engineering
- Access to generative AI platforms (free or paid versions) or the Stanford University AI Playground for hands-on practice
Note: The Stanford AI Playground is only available to members of the Stanford community.
- A Google Docs or other notebook application to document findings and workflows

Special Features
- Members of the Stanford community can access the Stanford University AI Playground, where they can experiment with different AI platforms in a guided and supportive environment. 
- Upon completion, participants will receive a Stanford Technology Training Certificate of Completion. 
- The live-online format encourages collaboration and real-time exploration of various AI tools.