If the grandchildren mention ChatGPT and you nod along, you're in good company. This guide covers the AI basics in plain words, with no jargon and no rush.
What is AI, simply?
AI (artificial intelligence) here means computer tools you can talk to in ordinary language. You type or say a question, and it writes back an answer. Popular ones include ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Many have free versions.
What's it good for?
- Explaining something confusing, as many times as you need.
- Drafting a letter or email you then check.
- Ideas for meals, gardens, trips and hobbies.
- Summarising a long document into a few points.
What's it *not* good for?
- Being trusted blindly. It can be confidently wrong, so check health, money and legal answers with proper sources.
- Keeping secrets. Don't type passwords, bank details or private information.
Your first five minutes
- Open a free AI tool on your phone, tablet or computer.
- Type: "Explain what you can help me with, in simple words, for someone new to this."
- Ask a follow-up: "Give me an example for planning a week of meals."
- Notice you can ask it to make answers shorter, larger, or simpler.
Our free sample lesson walks through this: Your first question.
Staying safe from AI scams
Scammers use AI too: cloned voices of loved ones, convincing texts, fake celebrity adverts and fake chatbots. Three habits help most: agree a family safe word, never act on urgency, and call back on a number you trust. Print our free AI scam checklist and read bot defence.
Ways to learn with us
- AI Basics course: 31 short text lessons plus module summaries, read at your own pace. £39 until 31 October, then £49.99. 30-day refund.
- Live AI lesson on Zoom: £9.99, ask questions as you go.
- One-to-one coaching: £150 for a patient hour on Zoom, shaped around you.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old to learn AI?
No. If you can send a text or an email, you can use AI.
Do I need a computer?
A smartphone or tablet works fine.
Is AI training for over-50s different?
Ours is written in plain British English, goes at a calm pace, and puts scam safety at the centre.
What format is the AI Basics course?
It's 31 short text lessons plus module summaries, so you can read at your own speed and come back any time.