AI Fluency for Humans: An Introduction to Working with AI (Online)

SESSION  1: The Rise of Generative AI (History, Landscape, the Humanoid Horizon, Ethics & Integration in African)

Lecturer: Trenton Birch
Duration: 2.5 hours (live online)

- A short, accessible history of AI: how we got here and what it is
- Overview of current AI categories and tool types
*Language models 
*AI Agents, Virtual Assistants and Bots
*Generative creative media tools
- The next phase: embodied AI and humanoids
- Ethics of AI: bias, hallucinations, privacy, data ownership and impact on work and society
- AI integration in Africa - Who benefits, who gets left behind and what responsible adoption looks like

SESSION 2: Language Models, the Art of Prompting & Building Your AI Strategy

Lecturer: Dennis Tapfuma
Duration: 2.5 hours (live online)

- What large language models are and how they generate output
- Prompting frameworks: how to get better answers with better questions
- Prompt traps and how to avoid miscommunication with AI
- Tool overview: ChatGPT and NotebookLM - highlevel Claude, Gemini, Grok, Orion X’s Alke, Perplexity
- Use cases for professionals: writing, summarising, planning, idea generation
- Building your AI strategy

SESSION 3: AI Generative Creative Media & Marketing Tools

Lecturer: Trenton Birch
Duration: 2.5 hours (live online)

- Creative AI tools for image, video, music and voice
- Midjourney, Runway, Suno, D-ID, ElevenLabs, Capcut, Dali, Canva- Marketing AI tools - Jasper, Blaze
- How to work with AI in your creative process without losing your voice
- Ethical issues in synthetic media and content authenticity
- Creative workflows: content production, branding, storytelling

SESSION 4: AI Agents, Automation, Delegating to Machines and Building your Tech Stack

Lecturer: Philip Mcelu
Duration: 2.5 hours (live online)

- What AI agents are and how they function differently from chatbots
- Workflow agents vs. decision-making agents
- Introduction to tools like AutoGPT, AgentOps, Vector Shift, Poe by Quora, MindStudio, AgentHub and custom GPTs with actions
- How to think about task delegation to AI
- Real-world examples: inbox triage, task scheduling, basic customer support
- Building your tech stack. Combining tools into a cohesive workflow (manual, semi-automated, or fully automated)

TRENTON BIRCH
Trenton Birch is the CEO and Co-founder of Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Academy, Cheeba Future School, and a Founding Member of the Bridges for Music Academy. A passionate advocate for innovation and impact, Trenton is widely recognised as a pioneer in progressive education and a driving force in shaping future-facing learning environments across Africa.

With over five years of experience lecturing on futurism, he brings a dynamic, thought-provoking perspective to the intersection of education, technology and social change. As a public speaker, Trenton has inspired audiences across industries with his grounded yet visionary approach to the future of work, wellness and human potential.

He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Public Relations and Communications and continues to push boundaries as a futurist enthusiast committed to empowering the next generation of thinkers, makers and leaders.

DENNIS TAPFUMA
Dennis is a UK-based digital transformation strategist with over a decade of experience driving meaningful change across global organisations. His work spans a wide range of industries — including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, financial services, retail and manufacturing — where he has led complex digital initiatives that unlock growth, improve performance and future-proof business models.

With a career that bridges both enterprise environments and top-tier digital agencies and consultancies, Dennis brings a rare combination of strategic insight and hands-on execution. His deep understanding of the human, cultural and technological factors behind business transformation has made him a trusted advisor to executive teams navigating the fast-changing digital landscape.

Dennis holds an Executive MBA from Warwick Business School and remains dedicated to building agile, forward-thinking organisations that thrive in the age of disruption.

KAVITHA PILLAY (FACILITATOR)
Kavitha Pillay is the Marketing Executive and a Course Facilitator at Cheeba Africa, known for her warm, approachable nature and unwavering dedication to student success. With a friendly and supportive presence, she not only drives the brand’s communication but also plays a hands-on role in guiding and looking after learners throughout their online course journey. Kavitha ensures every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged as they grow through Cheeba’s learning experience.

PHILIP MCELU
Philip is the founder of MCE Solutions, a Level 1 BBBEE technology consulting company committed to empowering non-profits, foundations, and SMMEs through meaningful digital transformation. With a focus on creating accessible and holistic IT experiences, Philip and his team offer a range of services including Salesforce customisation, mobile and web app integration and comprehensive IT support — all tailored to meet the real needs of mission-driven organisations and emerging businesses.

Passionate about technology as a tool for social impact, Philip combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved sectors. When he’s not leading digital projects, he shares his love of science as a physics lecturer — bringing clarity, curiosity and practical thinking into every classroom.

Philip holds a Bachelor Of Commerce in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town and continues to bridge the gap between innovation and inclusion through his work and teaching.