April 2 How do we define AI and recognize its presence? sensors * actuators input, process, output | April 9 How do we automate human-like problem solving? data * algorithms expert systems * AGI | April 16 How is bias learned? machine learning * models image classifiers | April 23 Does problem solving require understanding? neural nets * LLMs technology and power |
CS 404: Inside AI
Cohort 4: Thursdays 3:00-4:00 PM Central, April 2026
A four-week online course about
how Artificial Intelligence works
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this course for?
A: Inside AI is now open to both Reach University faculty and staff, and the general public! No prior experience with computer programming or AI is required.
Q: Do I get credit for completing it?
A: You will receive a pdf certificate if you attend at least one live session and pass either the final exam or the final project. No college credit is offered.
Q: Do I have to commit?
A: No! Quit any time, no hard feelings. Come back for future cohorts and try again.
Q: Will you record the sessions?
A: Yes. If you miss a class, you can watch the video.
Q: Will you teach me how to use ChatGPT?
A: No! But we will teach you to understand how it works and how to make an
informed decision about when and whether to use it.
Q: Is there homework?
A: Yes. We will give you some resources to read and play with ahead of class.
But if you’re underprepared, come to class anyway and we’ll catch you up!
Q: Can I teach Inside AI at my institution?
A: Go for it! Here are Cohort 2’s slide decks, student workbook, and Canvas. Email
ethomforde@reach.edu for help adapting the materials for your audience.
Bonus week: April 30 March 3 How do we make ethical choices about AI development and use? image generation GANs * model cards |
Big ideas in AI images are from AI4K12.org
Learn to answer these questions about AI systems!
While creating…
Is the output… generative or discriminative? | Is the data… structured or unstructured? | Is the training… supervised or unsupervised? | Is the process… stochastic or deterministic? |
Autonomous Vehicles | Decision Trees | Image Classifiers | Language Models |
About the Instructor
Dr. Emily Thomforde (she/her) is the Computer Science Coordinator at Reach University. She holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK.
Emily focuses on culturally sustaining pedagogy and making connections between computing and other disciplinary areas. She runs the weekly CSEd Discussion Group in partnership with the Institute for Advancing Computing Education.
Emily previously served as CS Coordinator at the California Department of Education, CS Coordinator at San Mateo County Office of Education, and STEAM Coordinator at John Gill Elementary. Her curriculum development credits include Vidcode, Hopscotch, Code.org, STEM from Dance, Code Combat, and BrainPOP.
What participants are saying about Inside AI
“I loved this course. It is fresh approach to learning how machine learning and AI develops models we use every day.”
“This was truly awesome. I feel like I have a much better understanding of AI and most importantly a much better understanding of how to explain AI. Thank you!!”
“I learned soooooo much!”
146 individuals from around the world have participated in the first three cohorts of Inside AI!
Thanks to everyone who participated in Cohort 1!
40 | were invited to Canvas |
36 | accepted the invitation |
19 | attended at least one live session |
14 | turned in at least one assignment |
6 | completed a summative assessment |