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FREE COURSES
Specifically Designed for Older Adults
- Senior Planet from AARP - AI Classes
Free live online classes covering AI basics, ChatGPT tutorials, AI image generators, and practical applications for everyday life. Specifically designed for older adults age 50+.
Time: Various class lengths
Best For: Complete beginners who want age-appropriate, supportive instruction
- AI Tools for Seniors - Boise State University
Self-paced course covering AI chatbots for companionship, brain-training apps, and voice assistants. Designed for homebound seniors and caregivers.
Time: Self-paced
Best For: Seniors wanting to use AI for daily assistance and cognitive stimulation
- AI Travel Tools for Adults and Seniors - Boise State
Practical strategies for using AI to travel safer and smoother. Includes a free accompanying guidebook.
Time: Self-paced
Best For: Active older adults who enjoy travel
Beginner-Friendly General Courses
- Google AI Essentials
Learn how to use generative AI tools like Gemini. Hands-on experience with real tools, no technical background needed. Earn a Google certificate.
Time: Under 10 hours
Best For: Busy professionals and complete beginners
- Elements of AI - University of Helsinki
Free course for everyone interested in learning what AI is and how it affects our lives. No math or programming required. Over 1.8 million students enrolled.
Time: 6 weeks, self-paced
Best For: Anyone wanting a comprehensive, academic introduction without technical jargon
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - IBM (via Alison)
Covers core concepts of AI, machine learning, deep learning, and ethical considerations. Includes free certificate upon completion.
Time: 6-10 hours
Best For: Beginners wanting to understand AI concepts and applications
- Generative AI and Large Language Models - Alison
Learn how ChatGPT and AI image generators work. Simple explanations with real-world examples.
Time: 3-5 hours
Best For: Those curious about tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E
- Microsoft AI Foundations
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/training
Free structured introduction to AI concepts. Beginner-friendly with hands-on labs.
Time: Various modules
Best For: Those who prefer Microsoft's teaching style
- IBM SkillsBuild - AI Courses
https://skillsbuild.org/
Corporate-sponsored learning with AI tracks including machine learning, natural language processing, and responsible AI. Interactive content with quizzes.
Time: Various modules
Best For: Those seeking practical, industry-aligned training
PAID COURSES
Highly Recommended for Non-Technical Learners
- AI For Everyone - Andrew Ng (Coursera)
The most famous non-technical AI course. Perfect for understanding the big picture without coding. Taught by a leading AI expert.
Cost: Free to audit; $49/month for certificate
Time: 4 weeks, 2-3 hours/week
Best For: Business-minded learners who want strategic understanding
- Generative AI for Everyone - DeepLearning.AI (Coursera)
Focused on understanding how generative AI models like ChatGPT work. No coding required.
Cost: Free to audit; $49/month for certificate
Time: 6-10 hours over 2-3 weeks
Best For: Those specifically interested in ChatGPT and generative AI
- AI Course for Seniors - Vertical Institute (Singapore)
Hands-on curriculum specifically for seniors. Covers prompt engineering, text simplification, and ethical AI usage. SkillsFuture Credit eligible.
Cost: Varies (SkillsFuture credits applicable)
Time: Structured program
Best For: Seniors seeking guided, age-appropriate learning with certification
For Those Wanting Academic Credentials
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - edX
Courses from top universities. Free to audit; pay for verified certificate.
Cost: Free to audit; $99-199 for certificate
Time: 4-12 weeks depending on course
Best For: Those wanting university-level instruction
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Please Note:
If you're on a budget:
All courses listed under "Free Courses" are completely free, including certificates in many cases
Most Coursera and edX courses can be audited for free—you only pay if you want the certificate!
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