Course 6, lesson 60 of 100, Ages 12+
Using chatbots wisely
Getting the best from AI helpers
Like I’m 5
A chatbot is a helpful tool, like a calculator for words. Use it to learn and create, but think for yourself and check what it says.
The big idea
Chatbots are great for explaining ideas, brainstorming, practising languages and getting feedback on your writing. They're weaker at exact facts, very recent news and things that need real-world checking.
Use them honestly: if a teacher asks for your own work, don't hand in AI writing. Keep personal details private, check important answers, and remember the AI doesn't know you the way friends and family do.
Examples
- Learning: 'Explain fractions with pizza examples' is a great use.
- Feedback: Ask it to point out unclear sentences in your story.
- Not great: Copying an AI essay for homework isn't learning.
How it works
- Ask clearly for what you need.
- Read the answer and think about whether it makes sense.
- Check important facts and use your own judgement.
Check your understanding
- Which is a great way to use a chatbot for learning?
- Options: Asking it to explain a topic with examples; Copying its essay as your own; Sharing your password.
Answer: Asking it to explain a topic with examples. Explanations help you learn; copying doesn't. - What should you do with an important fact from a chatbot?
- Options: Check it in a trusted source; Believe it straight away; Post it everywhere.
Answer: Check it in a trusted source. Checking protects you from confident mistakes.
Remember
Use chatbots to learn and create, keep private things private, and check what matters.
Talk about it
What's one way a chatbot could help you learn something new this week?
Go deeper
Good practice includes giving context, asking for sources, requesting step-by-step explanations, and verifying outputs. Many schools now publish guidelines on acceptable AI use.