ChatGPT for Beginners: SciFi Writing with Dall-e from Coursera

This 1-hour long project-based course is for anyone interested in exploring the capabilities of cutting-edge AI technology. In it you will learn how to effectively communicate with OpenAI's ChatGPT and DALL-E models, practice creative writing, and produce visually stunning images. To achieve this, we will work with ChatGPT and Dall-e, co-writing a sci-fi inspired story, and generating images to bring the story to life through a series of tasks including setting up an OpenAI account, interacting with ChatGPT, practicing effective AI communication. This project is unique because it offers hands-on experience co-creating with advanced AI models, allowing you to explore the limits of such a technology and develop your creative writing skills. In order to be successful with it, you will only need basic computer skills and an interest in science fiction and creative writing.

This project will provide you with step-by-step guidance through instructor-led videos. Unlike some other projects on Coursera, this experience will not utilize a virtual machine. Instead, learners will complete the project on their own browser or device.

*June 2023 Update*: Dall-e 2 no longer provides free introductory credits. Learners are welcome to pay for credits for Dall-e or use a free alternative such as Bing Image Creator, Stable Diffusion, or Craiyon. Some features may be different, but the prompting methodology is still valid.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

By the end of this project you will be able to effectively use ChatGPT and Dall-e as assistants for creative writing. This project will provide you with step-by-step guidance through instructor-led videos. Unlike some other projects on Coursera, this experience will not utilize a virtual machine. Instead, learners will complete the project on their own browser or device.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops creative writing and AI communication skills, which are valuable for content creators and marketers

Teaches how to use cutting-edge AI models, which is highly relevant to innovation and groundbreaking topics

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials, which are effective for skill development

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in AI-assisted creative writing

May require additional expenses for Dall-e credits beyond the introductory free tier

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ChatGPT for Beginners: SciFi Writing with Dall-e with these activities:

Review basic computer skills

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Recovering these fundamentals will strengthen the ability to learn the course material.

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Review how to open, save, and close files in your operating system.
Practice using a web browser to navigate the internet, access websites and download files.

Practice using AI tools for writing and image generation

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Gain familiarity with the tools you will be using in the course.

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Experiment with ChatGPT for story generation
Experiment with DALL-E for image generation
Explore other AI tools for writing and image generation

Follow tutorials on using AI tools for writing and image generation

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Supplement your learning with additional resources and tutorials.

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Find tutorials on using ChatGPT
Find tutorials on using DALL-E
Follow the tutorials and practice using the tools

11 other activities

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Review Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

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Familiarize yourself with a foundational work of Gothic and science fiction literature that will contribute to the theoretical underpinnings of the course.

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Read the book
Take notes on key themes
Identify connections to the course material

Join a study group to discuss ChatGPT and DALL-E applications

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Engaging in peer discussions will foster a deeper understanding of ChatGPT and DALL-E's applications and potential.

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Find a study group or create one with classmates.
Discuss different ways to use ChatGPT and DALL-E for creative projects.

Create a character profile of a science fiction character

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Develop your character-building skills by creating a detailed and believable science fiction character.

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Brainstorm character ideas
Develop character's backstory
Create character's physical and personality traits

Attend virtual or in-person networking events for science fiction writers

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Connect with other writers, learn about their experiences, and get feedback on your work.

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Find networking events for science fiction writers
Attend the events
Network with other writers

Write a short story using ChatGPT as co-author

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This activity will provide hands-on experience using ChatGPT to generate creative content, improving understanding of its capabilities and enhancing creative writing skills.

Browse courses on Creative Writing

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Brainstorm ideas for a sci-fi story.
Use ChatGPT to generate a character or setting based on your ideas.
Write a draft of your story, incorporating ChatGPT's suggestions.
Revise and edit your story, refining language and plot.

Join a peer review group for science fiction writers

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Get feedback on your work from other writers and help others improve their writing.

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Find a peer review group for science fiction writers
Submit your work for review
Review the work of others

Create a collection of resources on AI technology

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Building a cohesive resource will support ongoing learning and understanding of AI technology beyond the course.

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Gather articles, tutorials, and videos on AI technology, ChatGPT, and DALL-E.
Organize the resources into a logical structure, such as by topic or type.

Write a short science fiction story

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Practice your writing and storytelling skills while exploring science fiction concepts.

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Brainstorm story ideas
Develop the plot and characters
Write the first draft
Edit and revise the story

Create a portfolio of AI-generated images

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This project will demonstrate proficiency in using DALL-E, showcasing understanding of image composition and visual storytelling.

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Generate a series of images using DALL·E, experimenting with different prompts.
Select the best images and organize them into a portfolio.
Write captions for each image, describing the inspiration and techniques used.

Attend a science fiction writing workshop

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Learn from experienced writers and get feedback on your work in a supportive environment.

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Find a science fiction writing workshop
Attend the workshop
Participate in the exercises and discussions
Get feedback on your work

Build a portfolio of your science fiction work

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Showcase your best science fiction writing by creating a portfolio that demonstrates your skills to potential employers or clients.

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Select your best science fiction work
Create a professional-looking portfolio
Share your portfolio with others
Optional: Seek feedback on your portfolio

Career center

Learners who complete ChatGPT for Beginners: SciFi Writing with Dall-e will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Writer

Writers use imagination and language skills to create written content. This course may be useful for developing the creativity and writing skills needed to write fiction, scripts, and other forms of creative writing. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance writing skills and generate ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Speechwriter

Speechwriters create written speeches for public figures. This course may be useful for developing the writing and communication skills needed to work as a speechwriter. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance writing and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Copywriter

Copywriters create written content for advertising and marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for developing the writing and communication skills needed to work as a copywriter. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance writing and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Grant Writer

Grant writers create written proposals to secure funding for projects and organizations. This course may be useful for developing the writing and communication skills needed to work as a grant writer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance writing and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation and other written materials that explain complex technical information. This course may be useful for developing the writing and communication skills needed to work as a technical writer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance writing and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Editor

Editors review, correct, and improve written content. This course may be useful for developing the writing and editing skills needed to work as an editor. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance editing skills and streamline the editing process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Content Writer

Content writers create written content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. This course may be useful for developing the writing and communication skills needed to work as a content writer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance writing and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. This course may be useful for developing the writing and research skills needed to work as a journalist. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance research and reporting skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Web Designer

Web designers create and maintain websites. This course may be useful for developing the design and communication skills needed to work as a web designer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance design and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visual content for a variety of purposes. This course may be useful for developing the design and communication skills needed to work as a graphic designer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance design and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

User Experience Designer

User experience designers create products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for developing the design and communication skills needed to work as a user experience designer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance design and communication skills.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for developing the communication and management skills needed to work as a marketing manager. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance marketing and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course may be useful for developing the communication and analytical skills needed to work as a data analyst. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance data analysis and communication skills.

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Product Manager

Product managers oversee the development and launch of products. This course may be useful for developing the communication and management skills needed to work as a product manager. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance product development and communication skills.

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Software Developer

Software developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be useful for developing the communication and problem-solving skills needed to work as a software developer. The course also covers how to use AI to enhance software development and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer