Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to learn from experience, without explicit programming, in order to perform cognitive functions associated with the human mind. It is an overarching discipline -- a form of intelligence, a type of technology and a field of study. AI is already impacting almost every part of our lives, from the way we consume information and connect with our friends, to the services we access and the products we are sold. However, while the impact of AI is undeniable, the degree to which it influences us depends on a variety of factors such as the country we are born in, our gender, and even our age. Thus, even though AI is everywhere, the opportunity to benefit from it and shape it is not.

Microsoft has added an AI track to its Professional Program courses. The track is open to the public and is comprised of nine online courses -- each of which take eight to 16 hours to complete -- as well as a final project. "The program provides job-ready skills and real-world experience to engineers and others who are looking to improve their skills in AI and data science through a series of online courses that feature hands-on labs and expert instructors," the company said in a statement. The track features courses focused on AI ethics, how to conduct a data study and building different learning models. Enrollees have three months to complete each separate course and each are offered four times per year. The final project course is six weeks long and is also offered four times per year.