Project 42Start learning

Guided path · beginner

AI Foundations

Build a clear mental model of AI, prompts, and agents without assuming technical experience.

16 modules509 minutesAI Foundations badge
42
Complete the path to earnAI Foundations

Who this is for

People starting with AI or filling foundational gaps.

Your route

Modules

  1. 0112 min · beginnerWhat AI Does—and Does Not DoUnderstand models as pattern-driven systems, not databases or people.Begin →
  2. 0224 min · beginnerAI Systems and Useful WorkRecognize what an AI system is, where it can help, and where human judgment remains essential.Begin →
  3. 0326 min · beginnerHow Language Models Produce ResponsesBuild a practical mental model of training, inference, token-by-token generation, and uncertainty.Begin →
  4. 0427 min · beginnerContext, Tokens, and ModalitiesUnderstand what fits into a model request, what can be lost, and how text, images, audio, and files change the workflow.Begin →
  5. 0530 min · beginnerPrivacy, Safety, and Responsible UseProtect people and data by matching AI use, controls, verification, and accountability to real consequences.Begin →
  6. 0615 min · beginnerPrompt with PurposeTurn a vague request into a task an AI system can execute and you can evaluate.Begin →
  7. 0728 min · beginnerPrompt Anatomy and Success CriteriaTurn an ambiguous request into a clear, testable working agreement with an AI system.Begin →
  8. 0830 min · beginnerContext and Evidence ConstructionBuild a small, trustworthy working set that helps an AI system answer from evidence instead of guesswork.Begin →
  9. 0932 min · beginnerExamples and Output ContractsUse representative examples and explicit output contracts to make responses easier to consume and validate.Begin →
  10. 1034 min · beginnerVerification and Iterative ImprovementCheck AI output with evidence, diagnose the kind of failure, and improve the workflow without hiding uncertainty.Begin →
  11. 1138 min · beginnerResearch with EvidencePlan, execute, verify, and recover a bounded AI-assisted research workflow.Begin →
  12. 1236 min · beginnerWriting and Transformation WorkflowUse AI to transform material while preserving meaning, voice, evidence, privacy, and reviewability.Begin →
  13. 1344 min · beginnerCoding and Analysis WorkflowUse AI to change code or analyze data through scoped plans, executable checks, and reversible recovery.Begin →
  14. 1440 min · beginnerSafe Tool-Use WorkflowControl what an AI system can read or change through explicit tools, permissions, approvals, and recovery.Begin →
  15. 1518 min · beginnerAgents, Tools, and GuardrailsUnderstand what changes when a model can take actions.Begin →
  16. 1675 min · beginnerAI Foundations CapstonePlan, execute, verify, and explain a complete AI-assisted workflow with evidence that another person can review.Begin →