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Introduction
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What is AI?
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Machine learning
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Deep learning
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Generative AI
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Agents
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Knowledge check
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion

The Basics of AI -- AI in Construction Program (Part 2)
Dive into AI essentials and learn about Deep and Generative AI and how AI agents perform tasks.
Course Description
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence in Construction! This module is your starting point to truly understand what AI is all about beyond the hype. Unlike older software that needs perfect instructions, AI can handle messy, real-world information, which is something common in construction. This flexibility is why AI is so powerful for our industry, helping with everything from recognizing items in photos to making sense of documents that aren't perfectly organized. You will discover how this technology works and why it is rapidly changing the way we build.
We will also look into the two main types of AI you'll encounter: Deep Learning and Generative AI. Deep learning is great at recognizing specific things like tools or faces in images, which is useful for things like construction progress tracking. Generative AI, on the other hand, understands and creates content like text and videos, powering tools like chatbots and AI agents. Understanding these differences helps you know what kind of AI is best for different tasks and appreciate its capabilities. We will even touch on the math behind AI, showing it is not magic, but smart statistics that help make sense of real-world messiness.
This module will highlight what AI is good at, such as processing real-world documents, summarizing content, and reasoning, but also its limits. You will learn that AI is a powerful tool but it cannot replace human judgment, especially with complex situations and real-time project decisions on a job site. By the end of this module, you will have a solid foundation in AI concepts, ready to explore how these innovative technologies can support your work and make construction more efficient and confident.
Learning Objectives
Define AI.
Explain how AI learns compared to traditional software.
Describe how AI uses probability and bias.
Identify generative AI and its risks.
Differentiate complicated vs. complex tasks.
Prerequisites
Learning Level: Beginner
Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of AI in Construction Program Intro.
Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: AI in Construction
Course Number: PC-02-091725
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 5 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 09/24/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional software is reliable and predictable, but requires exact inputs or it breaks. AI on the other hand is flexible and powerful, able to handle "fuzzy," real-world inputs often found in construction, like different spellings or formats. However, AI is less predictable and requires oversight.

This module introduces Deep Learning and Generative AI. Deep learning is great for recognizing single things like objects in images or words (useful for natural language processing and computer vision), while Generative AI understands and works with whole documents and content that humans can understand, powering chatbots and agents.

Yes, this module provides a solid foundation in AI concepts, helping you understand how this technology works and why it is rapidly changing the way we build, setting you up to explore how these innovative technologies can support your work.
What's Next
Continue your learning journey
This course is part of the “AI in Construction” Learning Path. Explore and Complete the additional Courses in this learning path below to complete your journey.
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Program Intro
Welcome to AI in Construction! Explore program goals, module content, and what to expect in your learning journey.
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You are here!
The Basics of AI
Dive into AI essentials and learn about Deep and Generative AI and how AI agents perform tasks.
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Getting Started with Generative AI & Chatbots
Learn prompting, context engineering, data security, and navigate AI's probabilistic nature.
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Diving Deeper into Prompting
Elevate your prompting skills. Explore Chain of Thought, creative prompting, and defensive strategies to maximize AI's potential.
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Applying AI to Construction
Explore AI uses in estimating, project management, QA/QC, and contract review, always with human oversight.
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Working Together: Humans & AI
Maximize AI's scale and consistency while leveraging human judgment and intuition for success.
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Program Exam & Resources
Test your knowledge with the final exam and explore pathways for continuous AI learning.
Related Resources
Instructors

Hugh Seaton
Hugh is CEO of TheLink.ai, a Procore marketplace partner, author of The Construction Technology Handbook (Wiley, 2021), host of the AI in Construction youtube channel, and creator of Procore’s Data in Construction series. As product manager and entrepreneur, Hugh has led the creation of a series of AI products, from voice-activated daily logs to specifications analysis tools and more. Hugh lives in Austin, TX with his dog, Bob.