AI is advancing rapidly, so most people are either 1) curious but unsure where to start; 2) regularly using one tool but concerned that it may not be the best tool; or 3) barely scratching the surface of AI’s capabilities because they just don’t realize what it can do. If any of these describe you, this AI Essentials class is a perfect fit! In this 4-week beginner-friendly course, students will explore the world of artificial intelligence through hands-on practice with three of today’s most powerful AI tools: ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. We’ll break down what these tools are, how they work, and how to use them thoughtfully and creatively—from writing stories and solving problems to organizing ideas and learning new skills. And we’ll explore some of the more specialized AI tools for specific tasks like coding, graphic design, and video creation. Along the way, students will learn key prompt engineering strategies to get the most out of their AI assistant and develop the critical thinking skills to use AI effectively and responsibly.