AI Learning Circles
Learn AI in staff-led study groups, offered both in-person and online
Complete the Google AI Essentials course in a supportive study group led by TPL staff.
Whether you're a beginner with no AI experience or have some AI experience, this is your chance to learn about what AI is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly to increase your productivity.
Earn a certificate that you can share with your network and future employers, showcasing your expertise.
To learn more about AI and access library resources, visit Learn AI.
About the Learning Circles
AI Essentials Learning Circles run for 4 weeks, with a 2-hour session each week, for a total of 8 hours.
Join us either in person at a library branch or online via Zoom. Each Learning Circle is facilitated by a library staff member.
At each session, you’ll discuss the content of the Google AI Essentials course, have time to catch up on the course work, and learn about related library resources.
Expect 2 to 3 hours of coursework between sessions to reinforce your learning.
About the Google AI Essentials Course
AI Essentials Learning Circle participants will receive free access to the Google AI Essentials course (a value of $79) offered through the Coursera online learning platform.
Google AI Essentials consists of five sections and takes approximately 10 hours to complete:
- Introduction to AI - Learn about foundational concepts such as machine learning and generative AI.
- Maximize productivity with AI tools - Learn how to use generative AI tools to increase productivity in completing work tasks.
- Discover the art of prompting - Learn how to write effective prompts to get better outputs using AI tools.
- Use AI responsibly - Learn how to lessen harmful biases and inaccuracies. Recognize the security risks of using AI in the workplace.
- Stay ahead of the AI Curve - Learn how to stay up-to-date with the latest AI news.
The course consists of short videos and articles, assignments and a five question multiple choice quiz at the end of each module.
Upon completing the course, you’ll earn a certificate that can be shared on a resume, CV, LinkedIn and social media profiles.
Access to Google AI Essentials will expire at the end of the Learning Circle program.
Register to join an upcoming Learning Circle
Customers 18 years and older can register for the Learning Circle program.
Requirements to participate:
- A valid Toronto Public Library card to join an online Learning Circle. Learn about how to get a card.
- Basic computer and Internet skills.
- For online Learning Circles, a computer/laptop and Internet connection are required.
- For in-person Learning Circles, you are encouraged to bring you own laptop. If you do not have one, the library will have computers or laptops available.
- An up-to-date browser (Google Chrome is recommended).
- An account on Coursera. This account is created as part of registration for the Learning Circle. You will need to provide some personal information. Please refer to the Coursera Privacy Notice and Terms of Use for more information.
- You must commit to attend all four sessions and to complete the Google AI Essentials course.
Upcoming events
New Learning Circle programs are added every month. Follow TPL Learn AI on Eventbrite for alerts, or check back regularly to see the latest dates.
Upcoming Events
Additional resources
- E-Learning
Gain in-demand skills and sharpen your AI knowledge with our free online learning resources. - Let's Learn Tech
Gain in-demand tech skills with free online courses from Cisco Networking Academy that are interactive, self-paced and career-focused. - Digital Innovation Classes
Take your digital skills to the next level with hands-on classes, including Photoshop, Python, 3D design and more.
TPL’s Artificial Intelligence Policy
TPL's AI Policy shapes how TPL uses AI tools securely, responsibly, ethically and effectively.
TPL’s AI upskilling initiative is made possible:
