6041v - Generative Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Tools, Techniques and Critical Thinking

Hybrid Course - Virtual | Registration opens 9/8/2026 10:00 AM EDT

N.A.
10/8/2026-11/19/2026
10:00 AM-11:30 AM EDT on Th
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$55.00

6041v - Generative Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Tools, Techniques and Critical Thinking

Hybrid Course - Virtual | Registration opens 9/8/2026 10:00 AM EDT

Curious about Generative Artificial Intelligence and how it differs from other AI? There is a lot to learn and keep up with as GenAI tools continue to evolve rapidly. This course will introduce you to tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity, and show how they can support research, writing, learning and organizing information. No technical background is required – just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

You will learn how to:

  • Recognize the strengths and limits of generative AI
  • Match your goals to the right tool, from ChatGPT to Perplexity
  • Apply critical thinking in generating queries and evaluating AI-generated responses
  • Use prompting techniques to get more useful and reliable results

Topics and use cases include:

  • Travel planning and itinerary design
  • Technology troubleshooting
  • Creative pursuits such as writing and visual arts
  • Financial, legal and medical research (with added caution)

We will also discuss the broader impacts of generative AI: the opportunities it opens up, the risks it introduces and how to use it responsibly.

This course was first offered in spring 2026 and will be updated, as needed, for fall 2026 in order to keep up with the evolution of generative AI tools. The weekly sessions will be complemented by a series of opt-in (optional) Zoom-only Q&A sessions, during which participants can drop in to ask questions.

The instructor will provide a list of resources on the course webpage when class begins.

  •   This is a hybrid course offered simultaneously virtually and in-person. Students registered for 6041 will attend in-person at George Mason University. Students registered for 6041v will attend virtually on Zoom.

    This course will be recorded, and registered participants will receive a link to access each recording within two business days after the session ends. The recordings will be available for viewing anytime until February 28, 2027. While the recordings are provided for convenience and to accommodate any scheduling conflicts, they are not intended to replace the benefits of attending in real time, where you can ask questions and participate in discussion
Barbara Fillip

Barbara Fillip earned a PhD in international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, a Project Management Professional certification and a Permaculture Teacher certificate. She spent two decades supporting individual, team, project and organization-wide learning in two industries: international development and aerospace. She has taught adults in organizational and academic settings, completing seven years as an adjunct faculty member in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. She is currently exploring the future of aging, longevity and sustainability through creative writing and AgeTech technology solutions that support lifelong learning and well-being.