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AI Catalyst

Track · Google

Google: Gemini essentials

Google's path from two free 45-to-60-minute micro-courses (what generative AI and large language models are) to the paid, hands-on programs: AI Essentials, five modules under five hours on prompting, productivity and responsible use, then the eight-course AI Professional Certificate that works through research, writing, content, data analysis and app building with Gemini. The free micro-courses are enough to decide whether the certificate is worth your time.

4 courses · ≈ 6h 45m total · free micro-courses, paid certificates

Before you start, Stanford context: Stanford offers Gemini two ways, both approved for high-risk data and PHI and free at the Standard tier: the Gemini app through your Stanford Google Workspace account, and Gemini Enterprise AI with agents, Gemini Notebook and Deep Research (no request needed, sign in with your Stanford Google account). See Gemini at Stanford and the Gemini Enterprise FAQs. Gemini inside Docs, Sheets and Gmail is disabled for Stanford accounts, so the Workspace-integrated activities in the paid certificate will not match what you see.

The sequence

Introduction to Generative AI beginner45 minGoogle Google Cloud's 45-minute micro-course on what generative AI is, how it differs from traditional machine learning and where it is used, ending with the Google tools for building you… Open (opens Google in a new tab) Introduction to Large Language Models beginner1hGoogle The companion micro-course to Introduction to Generative AI: what large language models are, the kinds of tasks they suit, and how prompt tuning improves their output, with a look … Open (opens Google in a new tab) Google AI Essentials beginner5hGoogle Google's five-module course for people new to AI: an introduction to AI, using AI tools for productivity, the art of prompting, using AI responsibly, and staying current, with hand… Open (opens Google in a new tab) Google AI Professional Certificate beginnerGoogle Google's flagship AI credential: eight courses covering AI fundamentals and prompting, brainstorming and planning, research with Deep Research and Gemini Notebook, writing and comm… Open (opens Google in a new tab)

This track follows Google's own progression; courses open on the vendor's site. Content and availability are controlled by the vendor.