Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. It’s on your phone, in your email, in your browser, and in the tools you use every day. But if you’re not taking advantage of it yet, this class is for you. Week IA Class 1 is designed so that anyone, regardless of their technical level, understands what generative AI is and how they can start using it today to be more productive.
You don’t need to know how to program. You don’t need to understand algorithms. You just need curiosity and desire to learn. In this class we are going to demystify artificial intelligence, see how it works in practice and give you the foundations so you can start using it in your daily life. If at any time you felt that AI is something complicated or exclusive for experts, let’s prepare that myth: here we debunk it.
What is generative AI and why you should care
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence capable of creating new content: text, images, code, music, videos, and more. Unlike traditional AI, which only analyzes data or classifies information, generative AI produces something that did not exist before.
Think of it like this: traditional AI is like an analyst who reviews data and gives you a report. Generative AI is like a creative assistant that can write an email, design an image, write an article, or help you plan an entire project.
The models that are changing everything
In 2026 there are several generative AI models that are already available to the general public:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI): the most well-known and popular. It works like a chat where you ask it questions and it responds with coherent, detailed and contextual text. Free version available.
- Claude (Anthropic): noted for his ability to process long documents and his focus on confident, well-reasoned responses.
- Gemini (Google): integrated directly with Google products (Gmail, Docs, Sheets), ideal if you already use the Google ecosystem.
- Copilot (Microsoft): integrated into Windows, Office and Edge. If you use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, Copilot may already be available on your computer.
All of these models work in a similar way: you write a prompt (an instruction or question) and they give you a response. The difference is how each one interprets your request and how well it fits your specific use case.
Why does this matter now?
Two years ago, generative AI was new. Today it is a work tool. Companies that are using it already report productivity increases of 30% to 50% in repetitive tasks. It’s not about replacing people: it’s about freeing up time to do what really matters.
If you’re not already using AI, you’re leaving advantages on the table. And the best thing is that getting started is much easier than you think.
How generative AI works (without jargon)
You don’t need to understand the architecture behind these models to use them well. But it is useful to have a general idea of how they work to get more out of them.
The concept of “prompt”
A prompt is simply what you type to the AI. It can be a question, an instruction, a request, or a combination of everything. The quality of your prompt directly determines the quality of the response.
Basic Prompt: “Write me an email.”
Improved Prompt: “Write me a professional email to a customer who has delayed a payment by 30 days. The tone should be firm but courteous. Include a mention of the outstanding invoice and a request for payment within the next 5 business days.”
As you can see, the second prompt is much more specific. And the answer you get will be much more useful.
AI does not “think”: it predicts
It is important to understand that AI does not have opinions, emotions or consciousness. What it does is predict, based on millions of examples, what is the most likely and coherent answer to your question. This means that:
- Sometimes you can make mistakes or make up facts (called “hallucinations”).
- Does not have access to real-time information unless you give it explicit context.
- Their answers are only as good as the instructions you give them.
- You should always verify important information before using it.
Why practice matters more than theory
In this class we are not going to lose you in technical explanations. Let’s go hands-on: you will write prompts, you will see results, you will adjust and you will learn by doing. Because the best way to understand generative AI is to use it.
Practical Use Cases You Can Apply Today
Generative AI is not just for programmers or technology specialists. Here are real use cases that you can start applying in your personal and professional life today.
Writing and editing
- Write professional emails in seconds.
- Create drafts of documents, reports and proposals.
- Summarize long articles or extensive documents.
- Translate texts from one language to another while maintaining the context.
- Improve the grammar and style of texts you already have written.
Practical example: Instead of spending 45 minutes writing an email to a client, write to the AI: “Compose an email to [client name] explaining that the project is 20% ahead of schedule and that delivery will be on Friday, September 5. Professional and approachable tone.”
Research and learning
- Explain complex concepts in simple language.
- Summarize books, articles or reports.
- Create custom study guides.
- Generate exam or self-assessment questions.
- Learn a new topic from scratch with step-by-step explanations.
Creativity and brainstorming
- Generate ideas for product or business names.
- Create content outlines for blogs, podcasts or videos.
- Invent creative concepts for marketing campaigns.
- Solve problems with innovative approaches.
- Break creative blocks with varied suggestions.
Organization and planning
- Create structured task lists.
- Generate project plans with deadlines and dependencies.
- Organize information into categories.
- Create agendas for meetings.
- Plan trips with detailed itineraries.
Basic prompt engineering: how to write prompts that work
Prompt engineering sounds complicated, but in reality it is simply knowing what to ask the AI and how to ask it. Here are the fundamental principles you need to know.
Principle 1: Be specific
The more specific your prompt is, the better the response will be. Don’t tell the AI "text me." Give it context, audience, tone, length and purpose.
Bad prompt: “Ask me something about marketing.” Good prompt: “Write 5 paragraphs for a blog article aimed at small business owners in Quito who want to use Instagram to attract customers. The tone should be practical and direct, with concrete examples.”
Principle 2: Define the format
If you want a list, ask for it. If you want an email, an essay, a tutorial, or a comparison, say so explicitly. AI can adapt to almost any format you ask it to.
Principle 3: Give examples
If you have a particular style or tone you like, show the AI examples. This gives you a reference point to produce something more aligned with what you need.
Principle 4: Iterate
The first answer is rarely perfect. Use feedback to refine: “Make it shorter,” “change the tone to more formal,” “add a concrete example,” “restructure it into a list format.” AI responds very well to iterations.
Principle 5: Assign a role
Telling the AI “Act like a digital marketing consultant with 15 years of experience” completely changes the type of response you get. Assigning a role gives you context about the level of depth and approach you should use.
Common mistakes to avoid when using AI
As with any tool, there are right and wrong ways to use generative AI. These are the most common mistakes you should avoid:
1. Blindly trust information
AI can invent data, statistics or references that do not exist. Always verify important information before using it in a professional document, presentation, or publication.
2. Use vague prompts
If your prompt is “write me a sales text,” the response will be generic and probably useless. The quality of the result depends directly on the quality of your instruction.
3. Not giving context
The AI does not know who you are, who you are addressing or what your situation is. If you don’t give it context, it will assume things that may not be relevant to your case.
4. Expect perfection in the first answer
AI is an iteration tool. Work with it, ask for adjustments, refine. The first answer is a starting point, not the final result.
5. Copy and paste without review
Never post or submit AI-generated content without reviewing it. Always add your personal touch, check the facts, and make sure it reflects your voice and judgment.
6. Forgetting that you are the one in control
AI is a tool, not a replacement for your professional judgment. You decide what to use, what to discard and how to adapt what AI produces to your reality.
Tools that you will learn in this class
In Class 1 of Week IA we are going to explore the following tools live:
- ChatGPT: The most accessible platform to get started. Free version available at chat.openai.com.
- Claude: ideal for long documents and in-depth analysis. Available at claude.ai.
- Gemini: integrated with Google, perfect if you use Gmail, Docs or Sheets.
- Perplexity: an AI search engine that cites its sources, ideal for reliable research.
You’ll see each tool in action, with real examples and the opportunity to try them yourself during class. At the end of the session, you will have the basis to choose the tool that best suits your needs and start using it immediately.
Prior preparation for class
To get the most out of this first session, I recommend:
- Create a free account on ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) before class.
- Have a real case on hand: an email you need to write, a document you need to improve or a problem you need to solve.
- Bring curiosity and desire to ask: there are no stupid questions in this class.
- If you can, attend from a computer to be able to follow the exercises in real time.
No previous experience is required. This class is designed specifically for people who have never used AI or have touched it very lightly.
Week IA Class 1 FAQ
Do I need to know about technology to attend?
No. Class 1 is designed for absolute beginners. If you know how to use a browser and write in a chat, you have everything you need.
Is the class really free?
Yes, 100% free. Week IA is an Edge Marketing initiative to democratize access to artificial intelligence in Ecuador. There are no hidden costs or aggressive upselling.
What exactly am I going to learn?
You will understand what generative AI is, how the main tools work (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini), how to write effective prompts and how to start using AI in your personal and professional daily life.
Do I need to install something on my computer?
No. All the tools we are going to use work from the web browser. You only need an internet connection.
Can I attend if I already use ChatGPT?
Yes. Even if you already have experience with ChatGPT, this class will help you better understand the other tools available and improve your prompt technique.
Will there be practical exercises?
Yes. During the class we will do live exercises where you can practice with each tool. We recommend that you attend from a computer to follow the exercises.
Will I receive support material?
Yes. All attendees will receive a class summary with the most useful prompts, links to tools, and a quick guide to get started.
How do I register?
Simply write a WhatsApp message to 593 979 363 865 indicating that you want to attend Week IA Class 1. We will confirm your place and send you connection details.
Register for free for Week IA Class 1
Class 1: Introduction to Generative AI is the first step in transforming how you work, learn, and create content. You don’t need to be an expert: you just need to get started.
If you want to learn how to use ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and other AI tools to be more productive in your work or business, this class is for you.
Date: September 1, 2026 Modality: Free Aimed at: Anyone who wants to learn how to use AI
To register, send a WhatsApp message to 593 979 363 865 with your name and the class number you wish to attend. We are waiting for you.
If you want to learn more about how AI is transforming marketing, I recommend reading our article IA en Marketing: Herramientas que Debes Conocer en 2026.