Guide: How to Use the Course Platform ( if you don't want to watch the video)

Welcome! This guide explains all the features of our course platform, from enrollment to certification. Use this as a reference to help you get the most out of your learning experience. For a visual walkthrough, please watch the guide video on the main course page.

1. Enrolling in the Course

When you first enter the course, you will see an "Enroll me in this course" button. Please click this to gain full access to all the lessons and activities.

2. Navigating the Course

On the left side of the screen is the main Course Index. It contains links to every lesson and activity in chronological order.

• Pro Tip: This menu is very long! To avoid feeling overwhelmed, we recommend you collapse all the sections by clicking the "Collapse all" link or the arrow next to each main topic. You can then open each section one by one as you progress.

3. How to Learn in Each Section

Most learning sections offer two ways to engage with the material. You only need to complete one to proceed, but you are welcome to use both.

• Option A: Watch the Video

  • A standard video lesson on the topic.

• Option B: Interact with the NotebookLM

  • An interactive, AI-powered learning environment. To access it, you will need to be logged in with a Google account.

4. Using the AI Learning Tool (NotebookLM)

Our NotebookLM tool provides a rich, interactive way to learn. It includes:

• Reading Notes: A full text version of the lesson.

• Mind Map: A visual outline of the key concepts.

• Q&A: Ask the AI specific questions about the lesson content.

• Interactive Audio: Listen to a conversation about the topic and even ask your own questions in real-time.

5. Quizzes, Assignments, and Forums

• Quizzes: Most topics end with a quiz. Important: These quizzes are for your own self-assessment to check your understanding. You do not need a "passing grade," and any grade will mark the activity as complete. We strongly encourage using AI tools for help, but not for blindly copy-pasting answers.

• Practical Assignments: Some sections include practical assignments on external platforms (like Codewars). We encourage you to complete these to build your skills. You can then return to the course and click the "Mark as done" button to track your completion.

• Discussion Forums: Use the forums to ask questions, share insights, and connect with fellow learners and instructors.

6. Tracking Your Progress

At the end of some sections, you'll see a quick poll called "What learning material did you choose?". This is optional, but we encourage you to complete it. It provides us with valuable feedback and will automatically mark the main activities in the section as 'Done,' helping you keep track of where you are in the course.

7. Earning Your Certificate

This course offers three levels of certification:

1. Certificate of Completion: Awarded automatically when all required activities (like quizzes and assignments) are marked as complete.

2. Certificate of Proficiency: To earn this, you must also complete a final essay assignment. You are encouraged to use AI tools for help, but you must submit your prompts and edit the final work.

3. Certificate with Distinction: This is the highest level. After completing the essay, you must also schedule and participate in a one-on-one final mentoring session with an instructor.

Please Note: As a non-profit, instructor availability for grading essays and conducting mentoring sessions is limited. We will do our best to review your work in a timely manner, but we cannot guarantee immediate review or availability.

8. Getting Help

If you need help at any time, please use the Discussion Forum or the contact information provided in the course. We hope you have a fantastic time learning!