Academy · Foundations
AI Foundations
Build AI literacy from the ground up. Master the terminology, mental models, and core concepts that every AI practitioner needs — whether you're an operator, builder, or leader.
What is the Foundations path?
The Foundations path is designed for anyone who needs to understand AI but doesn't want to become a machine learning engineer. It covers the essential vocabulary — tokens, embeddings, context windows, RAG, agents, fine-tuning — and explains how the pieces fit together. You'll learn what large language models actually do when you send a prompt, why they sometimes hallucinate, and how to think about their capabilities and limitations. This is the knowledge that separates someone who can use ChatGPT from someone who can make strategic decisions about AI.
This path is for operators, managers, founders, and anyone who needs to talk about AI intelligently — whether in meetings, vendor evaluations, or strategic planning.
After completing this path you'll be able to...
- ✓Explain how large language models work at a conceptual level — tokenization, context windows, and sampling
- ✓Understand the AI ecosystem — major model families, open vs. closed source, and key players
- ✓Use correct terminology when discussing AI capabilities and limitations
- ✓Distinguish between RAG, fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and when to use each
- ✓Evaluate AI tools and vendors with a critical, informed perspective
- ✓Communicate effectively with technical teams about AI requirements and constraints
Curriculum preview
The vocabulary and frameworks you need to think clearly about AI.
Tokenization, context windows, training, and inference — without the math.
Major players, model families, open vs. closed source, and where things are heading.
How to communicate effectively with AI — from basic prompts to structured outputs.
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