Understanding Generative AI
The Open University
Last updated August 30, 2026
Understanding Generative AI explains what generative AI tools are and how they work, then asks what that mechanism means when the question is a legal one — what they are genuinely good for, where they break down, and which of those failures matter most in advice work. The closing section looks at generative AI in a legal setting and what has to be true before anyone can responsibly rely on it. It is the opening course of AI Law and Legal Training, a free collection on OpenLearn Create for advice and legal contexts. A self-paced course of around 60 to 90 minutes including a short quiz; enrolling is free.
Part 1 of 8 in AI Law and Legal Training
- Understanding Generative AI (you are here)
- Skills and strategies for using Generative AI
- Key considerations for successful Generative AI adoption
- Use cases for Generative AI
- Ethical and responsible use of Generative AI
- Navigating risk management
- Understanding legal regulation and compliance
- Preparing for tomorrow: horizon scanning and AI literacy
What you'll learn
- What generative AI is and how it produces an answer
- The advantages generative AI offers, and the limitations that come with it
- The concerns that arise specifically when a generative tool is asked a legal question
- How generative AI is being applied in legal contexts
- Judging when, and how, it is responsible to use it
Frequently asked questions about Understanding Generative AI
Who is Understanding Generative AI for?
Anyone working or volunteering in advice or legal services — including members of the public, advisers and law students — who needs a careful first account of generative AI before using it on real queries.
Is Understanding Generative AI free?
Yes — Understanding Generative AI is completely free to take.
Does Understanding Generative AI offer a certificate?
Yes. Digital badge and course certificate, awarded on completing all sections and passing the course quiz.
Why we suggest this course
Understanding Generative AI is the course its makers ask everyone to start with, and it is built for that job: no prior knowledge assumed, an hour to ninety minutes of your time, and just enough of the mechanism that the later warnings land as reasoning rather than boilerplate. It is pitched at everyone in an advice setting, not only qualified lawyers, so a charity volunteer and a solicitor come away with the same grounding to argue from. AI Law and Legal Training is funded by UKRI Responsible AI and built by The Open University and the University of Lincoln with Citizens Advice, with support from lawyers at Fieldfisher, Mishcon de Reya and Browne Jacobson.