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AI Fundamentals with Prompt-a-Thon – Perplexity Edition

This immersive course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a special focus on Perplexity AI—a conversational research assistant that blends search and generative AI. The morning session explores what AI is, how Perplexity works, and how to use effective prompting techniques to guide its responses for research, writing, and problem-solving. In the afternoon, learners participate in a collaborative AI Prompt-a-Thon, applying Perplexity to real-world challenges. By the end of the day, participants will understand how to think critically, prompt strategically, and use AI tools responsibly to enhance productivity and creativity.
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Course Overview

This immersive course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a special focus on Perplexity AI—a conversational research assistant that blends search and generative AI. The morning session explores what AI is, how Perplexity works, and how to use effective prompting techniques to guide its responses for research, writing, and problem-solving. In the afternoon, learners participate in a collaborative AI Prompt-a-Thon, applying Perplexity to real-world challenges. By the end of the day, participants will understand how to think critically, prompt strategically, and use AI tools responsibly to enhance productivity and creativity.
  • Scroll right to view Objectives, Prerequisites, and Agenda

Define Artificial Intelligence (AI) and describe its practical workplace applications. Explain key AI concepts such as large language models, tokens, context, and hallucinations. Understand what Perplexity AI is, how it differs from traditional search engines, and when to use it. Apply prompting fundamentals including: Instruction, question, and role-based prompts Contextual and few-shot prompts Iterative refinement prompts Use Perplexity for research, summarization, and ideation. Collaboratively solve workplace problems using AI in a guided Prompt-a-Thon. Present refined, AI-driven solutions and reflect on ethical implications (e.g., accuracy, bias, and transparency).

No prior experience with AI or coding required. Comfort with basic computer and internet use.

1 – Welcome & Course Overview

  • Introductions and objectives
  • Agenda overview and expectations

2 – What Is AI?

  • Understanding AI and machine learning in simple terms
  • What LLMs are and how they generate responses
  • Real-world examples of AI in everyday tools

3 – Introduction to Perplexity AI

  • What is Perplexity and how it differs from ChatGPT or Gemini terms
  • Interface overview: “Focus Mode,” “Pro Search,” and “Copilot” terms
  • How Perplexity combines search + generation terms
  • When to use Perplexity vs. traditional search engines

4 – Prompting Fundamentals in Perplexity

  • What is a “prompt” and how it impacts AI outputs
  • Structure of a good prompt
  • Types of prompts:
    • Instructional
    • Role-based
    • Contextual
    • Research-focused prompts
  • Live demo: Crafting and refining prompts in Perplexity
  • Guided exercise: Students test and improve their own prompts

5 – Transition to Prompt-a-Thon

  • Overview of afternoon activity
  • Group formation and challenge preview
  • Prompt-a-Thon theme examples (e.g., improving workflows, enhancing communication, or decision support)

6 – Prompt-a-Thon Kickoff

  • Review Prompt-a-Thon goals and flow
  • Emphasize experimentation, iteration, and teamwork

7 – Group Brainstorming

  • Identify 3–5 real challenges that Perplexity could help address
  • Choose one focus problem per team

8 – Prompt Design & Testing

  • Create, refine, and document multiple prompt versions
  • Use Perplexity to research, synthesize, and generate solutions
  • Capture best examples of refined outputs

9 – Presentation Development

  • Summarize the problem, prompt iterations, and AI-generated results
  • Prepare a short team presentation

10 – Group Presentations & Wrap-Up

  • Teams present their findings
  • Peer and facilitator feedback
  • Discussion: lessons learned and responsible AI use

11 – Prompt-a-Thon Goals

  • Reinforce understanding of AI fundamentals
  • Build prompting proficiency using Perplexity
  • Encourage creative and ethical application of AI
  • Boost confidence in real-world AI use
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