Module 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | Ikwezi CDC

Module 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

AI Skills for Work & Everyday Life

Beginner Level • 1 Hour • Online Learning

MODULE 1 BEGINNER 1 HOUR ONLINE

Welcome to Module 1

Welcome to the first module of AI Skills for Work & Everyday Life. In this lesson, you will learn what artificial intelligence is, how it works at a basic level, and how it is used in everyday life.

Module Objective:
Understand the basic concepts of artificial intelligence and recognise how AI can assist people in work, study and daily tasks.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Define artificial intelligence in simple terms.
Explain the difference between AI and generative AI.
Describe how machine learning uses data.
Identify common AI applications.
Recognise the capabilities and limitations of AI tools.
Explain why human judgement is important when using AI.

Lesson 1.1: What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence, commonly called AI, is technology that enables computers to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.

These tasks may include:

Understanding language
Recognising images
Finding patterns
Making predictions
Solving problems
Generating content

Example: When your phone recognises your face to unlock, AI is helping the device identify a pattern.

Lesson 1.2: How AI Works

At a basic level, many AI systems learn patterns from data.

Simple example: A computer is shown many pictures of cats and dogs. Over time, it learns patterns that help it distinguish between them.

This process is called machine learning.

AI does not think exactly like a human. It processes information using mathematical models and patterns learned from data.

Lesson 1.3: What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a type of AI that can create new content based on instructions.

Type	Examples
Text	Emails, letters and summaries
Images	Posters, illustrations and designs
Audio	Voice and sound content
Video	Creative and educational videos
Code	Computer programming assistance
Ideas	Brainstorming and planning

Examples of AI Requests

“Write a professional email to a student.”

“Create a study timetable for my exam.”

“Explain artificial intelligence in simple English.”

Lesson 1.4: AI in Everyday Life

Area	Example
Smartphones	Face recognition, voice assistants and predictive text.
Communication	Email suggestions, translation and spam detection.
Shopping	Product recommendations and personalised searches.
Education	Learning support, summaries and practice questions.

What AI Can and Cannot Do

AI Can

Help generate ideas
Summarise information
Draft documents
Explain difficult topics
Assist with repetitive tasks

AI Cannot Be Trusted To

Always provide correct information
Replace human judgement
Understand every situation perfectly
Protect confidential information automatically
Make important decisions without checking

Remember: AI is a tool to assist people, not a replacement for responsible human decision-making.

Knowledge Check

1. What does AI stand for?

A. Automated Internet
B. Artificial Intelligence
C. Advanced Information
D. Automatic Instruction

Answer: B

2. What is generative AI mainly used for?

A. Creating new content
B. Charging a phone
C. Printing documents
D. Connecting a keyboard

Answer: A

3. What does machine learning use to learn patterns?

A. Data
B. Electricity only
C. Passwords
D. Internet cables

Answer: A

4. Should AI-generated information always be checked?

A. Yes
B. No

Answer: A

5. Give one example of AI you use in everyday life.

Learner response: ________________________________

Practical Activity

Use an AI assistant to complete the following activity.

“Explain artificial intelligence to a 12-year-old using a simple example.”

Then answer:

Was the explanation easy to understand?
Did the AI give a useful example?
What would you ask it to improve?

Module Completion

Complete the knowledge check and practical activity.

Suggested Pass Mark: 70%

Next module: Getting Started with AI Tools