Work Smarter with Generative AI: Tools, Concepts & Use Cases

Dr. Eric Zackrison introduces Section, highlighting why understanding the fundamentals of generative AI is critical for today’s professionals. You’ll preview what generative AI is, where it’s being applied in the workplace, and how this module sets the stage for responsible use.

Learn how large language models are trained, how they generate text, A clear, non-technical explanation gives you confidence in the basics.

Compare AI tools to traditional workplace software. See why AI is probabilistic rather than deterministic, and what that means for accuracy, creativity, and risk.

Explore real-world scenarios - drafting reports, summarizing meetings, and generating creative ideas - while weighing the benefits and pitfalls of each use case.

Explore the core strengths of generative AI, from accelerating routine tasks to sparking creativity. Examples highlight where AI reliably boosts productivity.

Understand the advantages of AI’s efficiency alongside its limitations. See how rapid outputs may lack depth, nuance, or domain expertise, requiring human oversight.

Understand the limits of AI tools and why professional judgment, ethics, and accountability remain essential.

Debunk the most common misconceptions, such as “AI thinks like a human” or “AI always tells the truth.”

Learn how to critically evaluate bold AI claims, using real workplace examples to distinguish exaggeration from proven utility.

Develop a simple checklist for identifying overhyped AI promises in media, vendor pitches, or workplace discussions.

Survey current AI applications across industries like healthcare, finance, marketing, and education to see how professionals are already applying these tools.

Explore mini case studies showing successes and challenges from early AI adoption in real companies.

Understand how AI adoption is influencing workplace expectations, roles, and long-term strategy.

Dr. Eric Zackrison introduces section, previewing why prompts are central to AI effectiveness. You’ll see how this module builds practical skills for everyday use.

Learn the basics of effective prompting: clarity, specificity, and context. See how even small adjustments in wording change the results

Explore common errors like vague prompts, overloaded instructions, or leading questions - and how to avoid them.

Walk through a simple example of writing, submitting, and refining a prompt step by step.

Discover how giving the AI a “role” (teacher, coach, analyst) shapes its response and makes outputs more useful.

Learn prompting techniques that encourage structured reasoning and detailed outputs.

Practice iterative prompting: how to build on AI’s first draft to refine clarity, tone, or depth.

Use AI to spark creativity—generating options, themes, or approaches when you’re stuck.

Learn how to condense long content (articles, reports, emails) into clear summaries and outlines.

Explore how AI can support creating reports, presentations, or communications - while still requiring human review.

Learn to recognize when AI results show bias, factual errors, or gaps in logic.

Learn how to recognize when AI outputs sound authoritative but are factually shaky. Explore common “red flag” phrases and why polished tone doesn’t guarantee accuracy.

Understand the limits of AI - when to stop iterating and apply your own expertise instead.

Dr. Eric Zackrison introduces section, highlighting how AI can support productivity while still requiring human oversight.

Learn practical ways AI can help with everyday professional tasks like drafting communications, summarizing reports, and preparing presentations.

Explore how AI tools can support scheduling, task tracking, and project updates while freeing time for higher-value work

Understand how AI speeds up workflows but also introduces risks like over-reliance and shallow outputs.