Course

Masterclass AI - Part 1: The foundations

Part 1 of 5
AI is here, and it's here to stay. In the last couple of years, AI has woven itself into all our personal and professional lives. Yet big questions remain: Many still wonder how it actually works, what it can really do and whether it's truly ethical to use... Let's discuss all these questions in detail in our 5 (!) part course to tell you everything you need to know about AI.

In this first part, we'll cover the foundations. 
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Olivier Drybooms
Teacher "Masterclass AI"

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What will you learn?

AI is all around us—shaping how we work, live, and make decisions. Many of us already use it daily, often without realising it.

But the rapid rise of AI also raises big questions… like "Do we actually know what AI is or how it works? Are we using it to the fullest potential? And what about its ethics?"

That’s why we designed the five-part Masterclass AI for Professionals. Together, the courses take you from the basics to practical application and critical reflection. We start with the foundations, exploring what AI is and how it has evolved. Then we move into a deep dive on how AI systems actually work, followed by generative AI, where you’ll see how today’s most popular tools can be used in practice. Next, you’ll learn how to become an AI ambassador, spotting opportunities, prioritising ideas, and putting them into action. Finally, we close with the ethics of AI, understanding the risks, responsibilities, and impacts that come with this powerful technology.

This first part is the starting point, as we'll discuss the foundations. Here, we focus on what AI really is, how it has evolved, and what it means today, so everyone starts on the same page.

What is it?

Get clear on the fundamentals: what AI is, how it differs from traditional programming, and where machine learning and deep learning fit in.

Your questions, answered

Throughout the course, we’ll tackle the most common questions professionals ask. Short quizzes and Q&As will help you test your knowledge along the way.

The timeline

AI didn’t appear overnight. From early ideas and false starts, through boom moments, to today’s rapid progress—we’ll trace the key milestones and look ahead at what’s next.

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who wants to understand AI without technical jargon—managers, consultants, analysts, or simply curious professionals. You’ll finish ready to talk about AI with confidence and prepared for the deeper dives ahead.
Meet the instructors
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Olivier Drybooms

Consultant - Trainer - Data & AI Enthusiast
Olivier is a Business Architect and Trainer with experience in Business, Functional & Data Analysis. Passionate about leveraging data to its fullest potential to drive decision-making and problem-solving, Olivier is dedicated to empowering teams to excel in today’s data-rich environment, unlocking their full potential.
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Jan Moons

Professor - CEO - Expert in Business & IT Education
Jan Moons, professor at the University of Antwerp and CEO of The Master Channel, is passionate about equipping students and professionals with the right skills to succeed. Quality is at the core of his work, whether in consultancy, training, or delivering value to clients, bridging the gap between academia and business.

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