📘 Chapter 1: What Is AI, Really?
🌐 Understanding the Basics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a way for machines to mimic human intelligence. In other words, it’s when a computer system can do things that usually require human brains, like learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and even having conversations.
You’re already using AI every day:
- Your phone’s face unlock? AI.
- YouTube’s video suggestions? AI.
- Smart assistants like Siri or Alexa? Yep — AI.
But AI isn’t magic — it’s built on logic, data, and patterns.
🤖 Different Kinds of AI
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow AI | AI that’s really good at one task | ChatGPT, spam filters, Netflix AI |
| General AI | Still just a theory — would think like a human | Doesn’t exist yet |
| Machine Learning | AI that improves through data and practice | Image recognition, voice-to-text |
🧠 Try It Yourself
Activity: “Where’s the AI?”
Create a simple list, chart, or collage showing at least 5 ways AI shows up in your daily life.
Examples to get you thinking:
- Apps that finish your sentences
- Recommendations (music, shows, products)
- Social media filters or moderation tools
- Maps that suggest faster routes
- Chatbots on websites
🛠️ Project Idea
Mini-Project: “AI in My Life”
Create a short slideshow, video, or one-page graphic explaining:
- What AI is (in your own words)
- 5 examples of how it affects your day
- One question or concern you have about AI
This could be presented in class, posted to a blog, or added to your personal learning portfolio.
🧾 Quick Recap
- AI helps machines think kind of like us
- You already use AI without realizing it
- Not all AI is the same — most of it is “narrow”
- You don’t have to be a programmer to understand the basics