Getting Started with AILesson 1 of 8
8 min read

What AI Actually Is (And Isn't)

You've probably already used AI


If you've ever asked ChatGPT a question, used Gmail's smart compose, or let your phone autocomplete a text message — you've used AI.


But there's a big difference between trying AI and using it effectively. That's what this course is about.

This course works with any AI tool — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, or whatever comes next. The skills you learn here are tool-agnostic.

What AI is good at


  • Drafting text — emails, reports, summaries, social media posts
  • Analyzing information — finding patterns, comparing options, extracting key points
  • Brainstorming — generating ideas, exploring angles you haven't considered
  • Transforming content — rewriting for different audiences, translating, reformatting
  • Answering questions — explaining concepts, providing how-to guidance

    • What AI is NOT good at


  • Being 100% accurate — AI can confidently state wrong things (called "hallucinations")
  • Knowing your specific context — unless you tell it
  • Making judgment calls — it can inform decisions, but shouldn't make them for you
  • Replacing expertise — it's a powerful assistant, not a replacement for your knowledge
    • The golden rule of AI: Always verify important facts. AI is a brilliant first draft generator, not a source of truth.

    Quick Check

    Which of these tasks is AI BEST suited for?

    Your First Great Prompt→