Lesson 1 of 5
What is artificial intelligence?
Understand AI in simple words and learn why checking answers matters.
6 minutesLast updated: 2 November 2026
A simple definition
Artificial intelligence (AI) is software that recognises patterns in data and can perform tasks such as writing, classifying, translating or generating images. Generative AI creates new content in response to your instructions.
How assistants work
A chatbot predicts a useful response from your message and its training. It does not necessarily know whether a claim is true, so fluent answers can still be wrong.
What AI is useful for
It can draft emails, explain unfamiliar ideas, summarise information, brainstorm and help structure plans. You are responsible for deciding whether the output fits your needs.
Where it can go wrong
AI can make up names, quotations, dates or sources. Check anything important with reliable original sources.
Keep information private
Do not paste passwords, payment details, medical records or confidential work information into tools without understanding their data policies.
Key takeaways
- Generative AI produces content from instructions.
- Convincing answers can contain errors.
- Do not share sensitive data.
Lesson exercise 1
about 5 minutesAsk your first question
Goal: You have completed a small practical task and improved the result.
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off as you go.
Ready-to-copy prompt
Explain artificial intelligence to a ten-year-old in five sentences. Then give one everyday example.
Tip to improve your result: Try changing one instruction and compare the two outcomes.
Progress is saved on this device without an account.