AI Courses for writers and content creators
Some resources to learn about AI so you can understand what the heck is happening.
A recent PwC report found that most businesses are expected to integrate some form of AI in the near to long term future. To be honest, I think we’re already there. AI has already touched every industry, whether we’re owning up to it or not. For writers and other creative professionals (and everyone else, really), the time to adapt is now.
By educating myself and experimenting with AI tools, I’m trying to make sure that AI becomes a tool that I use for my creativity rather than replacing, well… me. Before I can get there, I have to understand what AI is, what it’s capable of, and what it can’t do. I found these resources helpful in getting started.
Podcasts to get you started with AI learning
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
Is all this talk about AI making you anxious? Me too. Don't worry, it's normal, according to strategic foresight expert and quantitive futurist Amy Webb.
In this interview, Brene Brown and Webb talk about how AI is one part of what's thrust us into a "technology supercycle". Webb says that thinking and learning about AI is kind of like driving into an ice patch. Your first instinct is to slam on the brakes, but that doesn't work. You have to glide on. That's what I've been trying to do lately. Lean into the scary stuff so I'm equipped to deal with it.
If you’re already ready to lean into the scary stuff, here it is:
Amy Webb Launches 2024 Emerging Tech Trend Report at SXSW 2024, SXSW, March 10, 2024
2024 Tech Trends Report: Full Report, Future Today Institute, 2024
Content+AI Podcast
The Content+AI podcast (which shines a light on my lack of creativity in naming this newsletter, oops) stands out, too. Each episode unpacks real-world applications of AI in content design, featuring interviews with industry pioneers who share how AI has changed how they work.
Content Strategy Podcast
In Episode 67, titled Trisha Causley and Maria Hofstetter: Content Design and AI, the Content Strategy Podcast examines the evolving role of AI in content design. Shopify content designers Trisha Causley and Maria Hofstetter share their experiences and insights on integrating AI tools into content strategy and design. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the practical implications of AI in enhancing content design workflows and outputs. It’s packed with advice and approaches that can help you develop and implement content strategies.
Online Courses
Coursera: Prompt Engineering
The secret to leveraging AI effectively often lies in mastering prompt engineering. This skill, which you can hone in this course, teaches you to design prompts that maximize the AI’s creative output—perfect for writers aiming to cut down on brainstorming time and accelerate production phases.
Coursera: OpenAI GPTs: Creating Your Own Custom AI Assistants
Imagine crafting an AI that feels tailor-made for your needs. This course teaches you about AI, mmersing you in the process of building and customizing AI assistants without having to know how to code. These virtual cohorts can help with everything from drafting to refining content, making your workflow smoother.
Enjoy! And please reach out and share what you’ve been consuming around AI and creative work so I can take a look too.