Elements of AI
Elements of AI
Elements of AI is a free online course created by MinnaLearn (formerly a part of Reaktor) and the University of Helsinki with the goal of demystifying AI for the general public. It was launched in 2018 for Finnish and global English users, after which NTNU and NAIL contributed to make the Norwegian version a reality, launching in 2020.
The course is aimed at a broad a group of people to learn what AI is, what can (and can’t) be done with AI, and how to start creating AI methods. The course combine theory with practical exercises and can be completed at your own pace.
Elements of AI consists of 6 chapters
- What is AI?
- AI problem solving
- Real World AI
- Machine learning
- Neural networks
- Implications
Introductory course on AI using Elements of AI
Using Elements of AI as their basis, the IE faculty is offering introductory courses in AI for Norwegian businesses and public sector. The course is made possible through the Norwegian Digitalisation Hub Nemonoor, which is funded by the EU (grant 101083966).
The course is conducted online by instructors from NTNU and consists of 5 online sessions totalling 15 hours, as well as 25 hours of self-study with Elements of AI. After completing the course, assignments, and achieving 80% approved attendance, you will receive a course certificate from NTNU.
Read more about the intro course here! (Norwegian)
Free online course on AI!
Wondering what AI is? NTNU and NAIL offer an online introductory course on artificial intelligence called "Elements of AI". The course combines theory with practical tasks, and you can complete it at your own pace. If you are unable to complete the entire course right now, we recommend skipping modules 2 and 3. The course is also completely free!
Sign up to Elements of AI now! (Norwegian)
Facts
Elements of AI...
- is a free online course – no previous knowledge needed!
- takes approximately 25 hours to complete, but feel free to finish at your own pace
- has more than 1 million users world wide – more than 20 000 users in Norway
The 2021 "KI-løftet" competition – addressing the importance of public knowledge on AI
In Norway's first strategy for artificial intelligence, it is stated that more people need to gain knowledge about AI. NTNU wanted to contribute to this and thus we translated and launched the "Elements of AI" course in Norwegian in 2020.
One year after the launch, more than 11,000 Norwegians had signed up for the course. During the spring of 2021, Norwegian companies competed to achieve the most participants in Elements of AI among their employees in a competition we named "KI-løftet" [The AI boost]. The competition ended in April 2021, and Linda Hofstad Helleland, then Digitalization Minister, announced the winners in a digital event.
Watch the recording from the event here!
More general and specialized ICT skills needed
The event focused on how AI, big data, and digital technology can contribute to making the world a slightly better place – but also the challenges that come with using new digital technologies. How we can get the best out of AI technology is a central theme in Elements of AI.
Former Digitalization Minister, Helleland stated that in the future, Norway will need more people with specialized ICT skills. Additionally, it is important to increase digital understanding in the general population. Helleland highlighted Elements of AI as a useful tool for raising knowledge about artificial intelligence among the average Norwegian.
Three winners of the AI boost
Three companies topped the competition. Igaidi won in the "small business" category. Igaidi is an innovation and consulting company where more than half of the employees have taken or are taking Elements of AI. They said the course provides a good introduction to the topic. Several employees have also moved on to the follow-up course Building AI.
In the "medium-sized business" category, Norsk Rikstoto won. They said the course has led to great engagement and interest among the employees and has contributed to Norsk Rikstoto becoming aware of AI and the opportunities the technology offers. Among the large companies, Statnett was the winner. At Statnett, Elements of AI serves as a supplement to their own training program.