AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon: Perplexity Edition
Contact IT Dojo for current pricing, available dates, and a custom quote tailored to your team or organization.
Course Duration
1 Day
Audience
Employees of federal, state and local governments; and businesses working with the government.
Prerequisites
No prior AI or coding experience required. Basic computer and web browser skills recommended.
Course Description
This immersive course introduces participants to the fundamentals of AI with a focus on Perplexity, a conversational research assistant that blends search with generative responses. The morning builds a working understanding of what AI is and how to write effective prompts. The afternoon Prompt-a-Thon puts Perplexity to work on realistic research tasks, including how to evaluate and cite the sources it surfaces.
Learning Objectives
- Explain AI fundamentals and how Perplexity blends search with generative responses
- Navigate the Perplexity interface and evaluate its cited sources
- Write effective prompts for AI-assisted research
- Apply Perplexity to realistic workplace research tasks
- Verify AI-assisted research findings against primary sources
Course Outline
1. AI Fundamentals
- What AI and generative AI are in plain language
- How large language models respond to prompts
- Common AI terminology: prompts, context, and hallucinations
2. Introduction to Perplexity
- What makes Perplexity different from a general-purpose chatbot
- Navigating the interface and key features
- Reading and evaluating Perplexity's cited sources
3. Prompting Fundamentals
- The core elements of an effective research prompt
- Refining a research question through iteration
- Common pitfalls in AI-assisted research
4. Prompt-a-Thon: Hands-On Practice
- Running structured research tasks in Perplexity
- Comparing sources and identifying conflicting information
- Summarizing findings into a usable brief
5. Responsible Use and Wrap-Up
- Verifying claims against primary sources
- Citing AI-assisted research appropriately
- Final questions and key takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this course cover?
This course covers AI fundamentals and hands-on practice using Perplexity for research, including how to evaluate and verify its cited sources.
How long is this course?
This is a one-day course, available as live remote online instruction or on-site at your facility.
Who should attend?
Business professionals with little or no prior AI experience who want hands-on practice with Perplexity for research tasks.
Does IT Dojo offer this training on-site at government or DoD facilities?
Yes. IT Dojo delivers this course on-site at government agencies, DoD commands, and contractor facilities, in addition to live online delivery.
How do I register for this course?
IT Dojo training is employer sponsored. Contact IT Dojo via the Request Training form or call 757-216-3656 to schedule this course for your team.