Learn AI - Free, Simple, and Built for Beginners
We are committed to making AI literacy practical, safe, and accessible for everyone! This resource page is a clearinghouse that brings together trusted, no-cost beginner materials so learners, seniors, educators, and community partners can build confidence with AI tools and use them responsibly.
No tech background needed.
Your Learning Path (pick what fits you)
- Start Here (Beginner Essentials)
- Learn to “Talk to AI” (Prompting Basics)
- Keep Going (Foundations & Fluency)
- For Families, Students, and Educators
Tip: Move in order—or jump to what you need. Every resource below is beginner-friendly and free (some require a free account).
Use AI Safely & Wisely
- Protect your privacy: Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial info.
- Check accuracy: Treat AI answers as drafts—verify important facts.
- Be kind & responsible: Use AI to help, not to harm or mislead.
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Start Here (Beginner Essentials)
Google AI Essentials - Google
Description: A gentle introduction to what AI is, practical use cases, and responsible use.
Level: Beginner
Time to complete: 5 hours
Target Audience: Everyone
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
AI for Everyone - (Coursera—Audit Free)
Description: What AI can/can’t do and how to work with it in work and life (non-technical).
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 8–10 hours
Target Audience: Non-technical learners, business professionals, and general audience
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free to audit
Microsoft Introduction to AI Concepts - Microsoft
Description: Short, plain-language overview of key terms and everyday applications.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 1–2 hours
Target Audience: General audience, especially those new to AI
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
Learn to “Talk to AI” (Prompting Basics)
Google Prompting Essentials - Google
Description: Google Prompting Essentials teaches you how to give clear and specific instructions to generative AI - known as prompting. In 5 easy steps, you'll learn how to prompt effectively and unlock more of AI’s benefits.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 6 hours
Target Audience: Everyone
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
Learn Prompting (Open Source)
Description: An open-source course covering prompt engineering and effective use of AI tools, with both beginner and advanced modules.
Level: Beginner–Advanced (self-paced modules)
Time to Complete: Varies (5–15 hours depending on depth)
Target Audience: Everyone, especially those using generative AI tools
Registration Required: No
Cost: Free
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT (Great Learning)
Description: Straightforward walkthrough of good prompt habits, common patterns, and practical examples; completion certificate included.
Time to Complete: 2.25 hours
Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Everyone
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
Keep Going (Foundations & Fluency)
Anthropic - AI Fluency: Framework & Foundations
Description: Anthropic’s educational resource explaining the core ideas of AI, including responsible usage and frameworks for understanding generative AI.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 2–3 hours (self-paced reading material)
Target Audience: Everyone (no technical background needed)
Registration Required: No
Cost: Free
Generative AI for Beginners
Description: Introductory modules on generative AI, covering basic concepts, applications, and hands-on examples. Available in 20+ languages. Some modules are advanced, but the first ones are beginner-friendly.
Level: Beginner (early modules), Intermediate+ (later modules)
Time to Complete: 10–15 hours (beginner-friendly portion)
Target Audience: General learners worldwide
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
IBM SkillsBuild
Description: Free learning platform with courses in AI, digital skills, and workplace readiness, some available in Spanish. Includes hands-on labs and career resources.
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Time to Complete: Varies by course (5–20 hours each)
Target Audience: Students, job seekers, career changers
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
For Families, Students, and Educators
Microsoft Family Safety Toolkit
Description: A toolkit to help families, parents, and educators navigate AI safely, with guidance, resources, and activities.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: Varies (modular resources)
Target Audience: Families, parents, educators
Registration Required: No
Cost: Free
Code.org’s How AI Works
Description: A series of short, engaging videos and resources introducing students to AI concepts and real-world impacts.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 1 hour
Target Audience: Students, educators, general public
Registration Required: No
Cost: Free
Common Sense Media : AI Basics For K-12 Teachers
Description: Non-technical introduction to artificial intelligence, with hands-on classroom examples and guidance on how educators can use AI responsibly. Includes strategies for teaching students about AI in safe, age-appropriate ways.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 5 hours
Target Audience: K-12 Teachers & Educators
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
Microsoft AI Skills Navigator
Description: A guided skills-building platform with curated AI learning paths, covering beginner to advanced resources across Microsoft’s AI ecosystem.
Level: Beginner–Advanced (pathway dependent)
Time to Complete: Varies by learning path
Target Audience: Students, professionals, and anyone interested in structured AI upskilling
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
Generative AI for Everyone
Description: Non-technical gen-AI overview & hands-on exercises.
Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: 5 hours
Target Audience: Everyone
Registration Required: Yes
Cost: Free
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