# AI for Business Course Online (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.creativelive.com/classes/ai-for-business-course-online>

## Overview

Unlock the potential of artificial intelligence in this immersive course. You will learn the fundamentals of AI technology, why it matters, and how to begin using it in practical ways. In the first part of this self-paced course, you will explore generative AI through ChatGPT. Learn how to write effective prompts, manage chats, and use advanced features such as custom instructions and memory. The course also examines differences between GPT models and plans, along with important topics such as data privacy and ethical AI use. By the end of this section, you will be prepared to use ChatGPT for writing, summarizing, idea generation, and other real-world tasks.

In the second part of the course, you will expand your skills with Microsoft 365 Copilot and explore how it works across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive to improve productivity across an organization. You will also gain hands-on experience with additional Copilot features and explore where these tools are headed. From voice and image generation tools to deep research features and app integrations, this course provides the practical knowledge needed to work more effectively with AI in a business setting.

## What you'll learn

- Explore generative AI and ChatGPT to understand what’s possible and how to use this tool.
- Learn how to write prompts that generate clear, effective responses.
- See real-world applications of ChatGPT across business tasks.
- Customize ChatGPT’s tone and behavior using memory, instructions, and style adjustments.
- Organize and streamline work using Projects and Custom GPTs.
- Use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive to automate and enhance business workflows.
- Understand the capabilities and limitations of AI and how to best apply them in your workflow.

## Curriculum

### Session 1: Course Introduction & AI Fundamentals

- Understand the evolution and scope of artificial intelligence in business.
- Define generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and their core components (pre-training, transformers, context windows).
- Compare traditional automation (e.g., calculators) versus generative systems.
- Discuss AI opportunities and risks (creativity empowerment, hallucinations, ethical considerations).

### Session 2: Getting Started with ChatGPT

- Set up and compare free vs. paid ChatGPT accounts (features, context limits, model versions).
- Navigate the ChatGPT interface—chat threads, model selection, history.
- Explore basic conversational workflows: asking questions, iterative follow-ups, renaming chats.
- Discuss compute demands, service availability, and when login is required.

### Session 3: Prompt Engineering & Best Practices in ChatGPT

- Craft clear, context-rich prompts to guide responses.
- Use system messages and role-playing to shape tone and output.
- Leverage examples, constraints, and step-by-step prompts for precise results.
- Recognize and mitigate AI “hallucinations” through verification and feedback loops.

### Session 4: Advanced ChatGPT Features & Business Use Cases

- Work with ChatGPT’s memory and context limits for multi-turn workflows.
- Incorporate browsing, file uploads, and external data (where available).
- Automate common business tasks: summarizing documents, drafting emails, generating ideas.
- Integrate ChatGPT outputs into existing tools and processes.

### Session 5: Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot

- Outline Copilot account tiers (free, Pro, Microsoft 365 Copilot) and their pricing.
- Differentiate ChatGPT vs. Copilot (product branding, release cadence, integration).
- Understand “web” vs. “work” tabs: browsing the public web vs. accessing Microsoft Graph data.
- Review privacy and security: Copilot’s handling of corporate data and compliance.

### Session 6: Copilot in Word, Excel & PowerPoint

- Use Copilot to draft, refine, and edit documents in Word.
- Generate formulas, analyze data, and build charts in Excel via natural-language requests.
- Auto-create slide decks, speaker notes, and design suggestions in PowerPoint.
- Streamline repetitive formatting and layout tasks across Microsoft 365 apps.

### Session 7: Copilot in Outlook, Teams & OneDrive

- Summarize and respond to email threads in Outlook with Copilot.
- Draft meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up messages in Teams chats and channels.
- Search, organize, and query files on OneDrive using natural-language prompts.
- Combine Copilot with Microsoft 365 workflows for end-to-end productivity gains.

### Session 8: Capstone Project & Next Steps

- Define a real-world business scenario to solve with ChatGPT and/or Copilot.
- Design and test prompt-based workflows, integrating outputs into chosen tools.
- Prepare a brief demonstration and share lessons learned (benefits, limitations).
- Discuss the roadmap for scaling AI adoption, governance, and continuous improvement.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $549