# AI for Business Course Online Canonical URL: ## Overview Unlock the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in this immersive two-day course. You’ll gain a solid understanding of AI technology, its importance, and how to apply it in various aspects of your work and life. On day one, you'll dive into generative AI with ChatGPT. Learn how to create effective prompts, manage chats, and use advanced features like custom instructions and memory. We'll also cover different GPT models, data privacy, and ethical considerations of AI. By the end of the day, you’ll have practical skills to leverage ChatGPT for writing, summarizing, generating creative content, and more. On day two, the focus shifts to Microsoft Copilot, and how it can enhance productivity within Microsoft Office apps (365). Learn to use AI to streamline your work in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. This hands-on training will provide you with real-world examples, tips, and tricks to help you save time, boost efficiency, and be more innovative at work. ## 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. ## Instructors ### Reid Johnson — Instructor Reid isn't just someone who knows CAD and BIM; he's a licensed architect and contractor who deeply integrates these technologies into every facet of his career. His hands-on experience as a practitioner building real-world projects provides him with an invaluable understanding of how BIM and CAD streamline workflows and enhance design. This practical foundation led him to Autodesk, where he shared his expertise, helping others effectively leverage these powerful tools. Throughout his professional journey, Reid also dedicates himself to education, consistently teaching university courses and shaping the next generation of design professionals by equipping them with essential CAD skills. His unique blend of practical experience, industry knowledge gained at Autodesk, and passion for teaching positions Reid as a true specialist in BIM and CAD technology, capable of bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. **Credentials:** - Autodesk Fusion Certified User - Autodesk Revit Certified Professional - Autodesk Certified Instructor - Licensed Architect - Licensed General Contractor ### David Nguyen — Instructor David is the AEC Software Specialist at VDCI, with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and an Associate’s degree of science in Drafting and General Design from ITT Technical Institute. A San Diego native with over 12 years working in the Design Industry and construction industry, David brings his construction and design expertise to help all students achieve their goals in the field. Outside of his professional life, David loves attending concerts, festivals, playing his guitar and restoring and repairing all types of vehicles. **Credentials:** - OSHA 30 hr. Construction Safety Certified - Construction Software: SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Fusion, REVIT) - Mechanical Software: PTC CREO Parametric, Solidworks, MasterCAM ## FAQ ### Are there any additional fees or expenses? There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $549