Agentic AI and AI Agents: A Primer for Leaders
The Coursera course “Agentic AI and AI Agents: A Primer for Leaders“ by Vanderbilt University introduces the concept of Agentic AI—AI systems that can act autonomously, not just analyze data. It’s a beginner-friendly, 5-hour course designed for leaders and professionals.
In the first module, learners explore the fundamentals of Agentic AI, including how agents interact using the Flipped Interaction Pattern, how to plan actions ahead of time, and how to equip agents with external tools and knowledge. Concepts like in-context learning and multimodal interaction are also covered.
The second module focuses on building custom GPTs using OpenAI tools. It covers how to write effective custom instructions, implement Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and combine features to create intelligent, goal-oriented AI agents.
Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, the course prepares participants to recognize meaningful AI advancements, avoid the hype, and design AI agents that drive real value.