CogAegis
Your first steps into the world of AI. A friendly, hands-on program for people who are new to AI, including seniors and anyone who finds new technology a challenge. Learn what AI is, how to talk with it, and how to tell what's real.
Three 50-minute sessions, each building on the last, with plenty of time to practise on your own phone, tablet or laptop.
Understand what AI is and set up your own account.
Talk to AI as easily as texting a friend.
Stay safe, and keep your own judgment.
The Beginner program is delivered in person by a qualified instructor. Every session is designed to be hands-on and interactive, with helpers in the room to assist you whenever you need it. Here's a look inside, with real slides from our sessions.
Every session uses customized, personalized examples, like Carol, a Langford grandmother who uses AI to find a birthday gift, pick a nearby store and plan her bus trip.
You practise on your own device from the very first session, with about one helper for every eight learners. Mistakes are okay: you can't break anything by asking a question.
Learn why AI can be confidently wrong, and how to spot AI-generated images, video and audio, so you stay informed, not fooled.
The Beginner program is taught as one complete series of three sessions, each building on the last. Choose the option that fits you, then tap a card to see the details.
All prices in Canadian dollars. The $75 start-up special is available for a limited time. A travel fee may apply for private sessions outside our core service area on central and south Vancouver Island.
Have a question about the Beginner program? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.
No. The Beginner program is designed for people with little or no experience. If you can use a smartphone, tablet or laptop, you can take part, and there is about one helper for every eight learners.
We introduce ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Claude, and help you create your own ChatGPT or Gemini account in Beginner 101. Everything in Beginner 102 works the same way in either one.
Bring one device: a smartphone, tablet or laptop. You'll also need one of the following to sign in to AI tools: an email address (Gmail preferred), a Facebook account, or a mobile phone number.
Yes. Many participants are seniors or people who find new technology challenging. Sessions go at a comfortable pace with everyday examples, and Beginner 103 focuses on spotting AI-generated content and scams.
Public group sessions cost $75 per person for the full three-session series, a limited-time start-up special (regular price $99). For private group sessions, contact us for group rates; groups range from 8 to 40 people, and new partners receive one free Beginner 101 demo session.
Yes. The program is designed to run at community venues with seats, washrooms, electricity and Wi-Fi. New organization partners receive one free Beginner 101 demo session.
Yes. You can register on someone else's behalf. When you reserve a seat, enter their name and your email address, and we'll send the details to you.