How Language Models Work

A practical mental model makes it easier to use language models without either overestimating or dismissing them.

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Learning goals

  • Understand prediction, context, and non-deterministic output.
  • Recognize hallucinations and knowledge limitations.
  • Match verification effort to the consequence of an error.

Applied outcome

Create a verification checklist for one task where inaccurate output could affect a customer, colleague, or decision.

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Prompting Fundamentals

Use context, examples, constraints, and iteration to collaborate more effectively with AI.