Module 1 · Where’s the AI?
IN THIS LESSON
By the end, you’ll be able to explain the single feature that separates real AI from ordinary smart code. This sets you up for the “AI or Not?” in Lesson 1.2.
Easy definitions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software that learns from large sets of examples so it can make new predictions or decisions.
Automation Step-by-step rules a programmer writes ahead of time—no learning involved.
Model The “brain” of an AI system that turns data into predictions.
Training data The thousands (or millions) of examples an AI studies to learn patterns.
Heuristic A simple shortcut question that helps you decide if something is AI.
Keep in mind
If the tool needs to train, fine-tune, or update its model, you’re probably looking at AI.
If you can map every output on a tidy if-this-then-that flowchart, you’re dealing with automation.
Vendors love buzzwords—intelligent, smart, powered—so always ask, “What data taught it to do this?”
After you watch
Complete the quiz below and see how AI Savvy you are.
Move straight to Lesson 1.2: AI or Not?
How AI-Savvy Are You?
Test Your AI Detection Skills in EdTech
For each scenario, decide: Is this REAL AI or just AUTOMATION dressed up?
1
Your school's new "AI-powered" attendance system automatically texts parents when students are marked absent.
Your Results
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