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Artificial Intelligence: Distinguishing Between Fact and Fiction

Learn to distinguish fact and fake as you delve into the science and history of artificial intelligence.

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  • Duration

    2 weeks

  • Weekly study

    3 hours
Overview
Requirements
Educators

Spot the subtle differences between humans and chatbots

Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest growing industries in science and technology. From human-presenting chatbots like ChatGPT to deep-fake images and driverless vehicles, AI is transforming the world as we know it.

On this two-week course from Coventry University, you’ll explore the latest developments in artificial intelligence. As you delve into the history and science of AI, you’ll learn to distinguish fact from fake, robot from reality, and myth from marketing hype.

Explore what it means to think as a human

Before you can discover artificial intelligence, you need a firm understanding of natural intelligence. You’ll start the course by examining definitions of ‘intelligence’, and discussing what it really means to think as a human.

Considering historical, biological, and cognitive perspectives, you’ll explore how humans and animals differ from computers.

Venture to the cutting edge of AI and robotics

In Week 2 of the course, you’ll trace the history of artificial intelligence. From the first code-cracking machine invented by Alan Turing in the First World War, to the recent release of ChatGPT, you’ll journey through a century of intelligent innovations.

By the end of the course, you’ll be familiar with the world of contemporary AI, and have the insider knowledge you need to sniff out a deepfake.

What topics will you cover?

  • Roots of artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Different features of human intelligence
  • Asimov’s laws
  • The reality of AI

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the different features of human intelligence
  • Distinguish between the claims and current reality of artificial intelligence (AI)

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in historical, psychological, philosophical, and/or biological perspectives on artificial intelligence.

Please note that the individuals detailed in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below, are current staff members and may be subject to change.

Who will you learn with?

Mark Elshaw

Dr Mark Elshaw is a lecturer and researcher at Coventry University. His teaching and research interesting include AI, neural network, AI ethics, biological inspired computing system.

Who developed the course?

Coventry University

Coventry secured 5 QS Stars for Teaching and Online Learning in the QS World University Ranking 2020 and has received No. 1 in the world for Massive Open Online Courses in MoocLab’s World University Ranking 2021.

  • Established

    1992

  • Location

    Coventry

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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