AI Isn’t Magic. It’s a Tool. Here’s How to Use It.
People like to talk about AI in extremes: it’s either ending the world or solving all our problems. But truthfully, we don’t fully know yet. What we can say for sure is that robotics and AI technology are evolving faster than ever. Yes, that brings uncertainty, but it also creates opportunities for anyone willing to understand and experiment.
Today, many schools ban AI or cautiously allow students to use it if cited as a source. Teachers aren’t entirely sure how to handle it, partly because they don’t fully understand what AI is or how to use it effectively. Simply put, AI runs on computer algorithms and code that process huge amounts of existing information, recognize patterns, and generate new responses. It’s the tech behind chatbots, robots, and social media recommendations. AI mimics human intelligence—and understandably, that makes some people nervous. But being afraid of it only limits your opportunities. The smarter move is to become AI-literate now.
Before jumping in, here’s one thing that helps make sense of how tools like ChatGPT work: everything you type gets broken into tokens—small chunks of text. Sometimes a token is a full word, like “cat.” Other times, it’s just part of one, like “unbelievable,” which might be split into three. This matters because AI has a limit on how many tokens it can process at once. The response won’t be as useful if your prompt is too long and vague. The clearer and more direct you are, the better the result.
Newer AI models like GPT-4 do more than guess the next word. They’re built to reason—connecting ideas and following instructions more closely. But that also takes more energy. These models run on powerful servers that use a lot of electricity. Writing focused prompts helps you get better answers and puts less strain on the system.
Below are a few straightforward ways to start using AI tools. The goal is to experiment, build your skills, and get comfortable with conversational AI by coding and interacting in everyday language.
1. Use AI as Your Productivity Assistant
AI tools like ChatGPT aren’t here to replace your thinking, they streamline it. The quality of your AI outputs depends entirely on how clearly and specifically you communicate your requests. Here’s a helpful framework you can use to prompt GPT effectively:
“Rewrite [your text or idea here] to be clearer and shorter, using an active voice.”
Refine Your Writing:
Prompt AI to rewrite paragraphs, simplify complex ideas, or tighten your message. Clearly instruct the tone, voice, or length you prefer.
Summarize Efficiently:
Use AI to turn lengthy articles or documents into concise summaries. Specify length and style, like bullet points or short paragraphs.
Code Using Plain Language:
AI can help create websites, scripts, or formulas from simple descriptions. Start broadly, then refine your instructions.
Boost Creativity and Brainstorming:
Prompt AI to offer fresh angles or creative insights when you're stuck. Clearly outline your topic or goal, and specify the number or style of ideas needed.
2. Practice Conversational Coding
One of AI’s best features is letting you code using everyday language. You don't need programming skills—just clarity in your requests. Try starting with a basic structure like this:
“Create a simple [type of code or project] that does [describe your goal briefly].”
Begin with Small Projects:
Practice creating basic websites or scripts. Describe clearly what you need in simple terms, then build on your request as you gain confidence.
Refine Your Requests:
If the initial code doesn’t meet your needs, adjust your prompt by clearly adding details or constraints. Think of it as conversational troubleshooting.
3. Enhance Your Creative Thinking
AI tools aren’t limited to logical tasks—they’re also great for generating fresh ideas. When you’re creatively stuck, experiment with prompts structured like:
“Suggest [number] creative ways I could approach [your topic or idea].”
Brainstorming Partner:
Use AI to break through creative blocks. Clearly state your goal, then ask for multiple unique ideas or approaches to help spark new thinking.
Challenge Your Perspective:
Ask AI for alternative viewpoints or unexpected metaphors related to your topic. Specify if you want a metaphor, analogy, or entirely different angle.
4. Stay Curious and Keep Experimenting
The key to benefiting from AI is constant curiosity and experimentation. Consistent practice makes you skilled at prompting effectively. Keep a general approach:
“Give me feedback on improving my prompt about [your topic or idea].”
Test and Refine:
Try out different types of prompts to see what gets the best results. If the response isn’t helpful, tweak your wording—be more specific, add context, or clarify your goal. The more you adjust, the better your results will get.
Stay Informed:
Subscribe to reliable newsletters or blogs about AI, and join online discussions to stay current. Always verify information—AI is helpful, but sometimes inaccurate.