Getting Started
Hey there! I'm excited to help you get started with AI. Think of this like learning to use a new tool. It might feel a bit unfamiliar at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly.
I generally recommend starting with ChatGPT because their goal is to make their product very accessible for a lot of people. That said, the other tools are fantastic as well. They're all very, very similar, just like all soda is similar, but you probably have your own favorite.
For the following exercises, it doesn't matter which system you use. Here are buttons that will take you to any of them:
Note: You may or may not need to create an account. You can get started with any of these for free.
About paying for AI: There are significant benefits to paying for the models later. Once you get to a certain point, you'll start to find yourself frustrated with time limits or the window running out of context. That all goes away once you pay, but you don't have to pay to get started. You'll know when it's time to graduate.
If you start to get to that point and find yourself regularly frustrated by context limits, it's time to pay for it. I don't know anything else about your life, but if you have a cell phone, Internet access, a cable bill, or an electric bill, AI is becoming ubiquitous enough that it is like a utility.
I personally maintain the most expensive subscription with OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini. I use all three for different things. I consider myself a power user, and again, you don't need to do this on day one, but don't let the cost stand in the way when the time is right.
Lessons
Core concepts to help you understand and use AI effectively
Understanding AI Conversations
Learn how to talk to AI like you would to a helpful friend. Understand what AI can and can't do, and how to set realistic expectations.
Topics covered:
- What is a prompt?
- How AI understands you
- Common misconceptions
- Setting expectations
Getting Better Responses
Simple tips to improve the quality of answers you get. Learn to be specific, provide context, and ask follow-up questions.
Topics covered:
- Being specific vs. vague
- Providing helpful context
- Asking follow-up questions
- When to start over
Practical Everyday Uses
Discover real-world ways to use AI in your daily life, from planning meals to writing emails to learning new topics.
Topics covered:
- Meal planning & recipes
- Email and message writing
- Learning new concepts
- Brainstorming ideas
Exercises
Hands-on practice to build your confidence using AI
Exercise 1: Your First Conversation
Have a simple conversation with an AI assistant. Ask it about a hobby you're interested in or a topic you want to learn about.
Tasks:
- Pick a topic you're curious about
- Ask an open-ended question
- Ask at least 3 follow-up questions
- Notice how the AI builds on previous answers
Exercise 2: Recipe Generator
Use AI to create a recipe based on ingredients you have at home. Learn how to provide context and refine results.
Tasks:
- List 5-7 ingredients you have
- Ask for a recipe suggestion
- Request modifications (dietary preferences, cooking time)
- Have it explain any cooking terms you don't know
Exercise 3: Email Helper
Draft a professional email with AI assistance. Learn how to set the tone and make revisions.
Tasks:
- Describe the email you need to write
- Specify the tone (formal, casual, friendly)
- Review the draft and ask for changes
- Learn how to make it sound more like you