An introduction to AI: examples, limits and a first exercise

We can describe AI as a set of techniques for building systems that recognise patterns, classify information or generate content. We do not need to describe them as a human mind to understand their usefulness.

In the recording, I use that comparison as a simplification. An assistant discussing many subjects does not thereby demonstrate human-level general intelligence. To begin, ask which task the system performs, with what information and how you will check the result.

The class includes images, text, coding help and workflows. Generating an answer and executing a sequence are different functions. An automation may follow fixed rules without an AI model or include one in part of the process.

For example, receiving a form and saving its fields does not necessarily require text generation. If you then need a draft reply, a model may help there. Separating the two makes it easier to choose an understandable solution.

During the session, we discuss specific instructions. Explaining the objective, audience and available materials helps guide the response. However, asking an assistant to act as an expert does not verify its claims.

Start with tasks whose results you can review. When organising your notes, check that decisions were not lost and facts were not added. When testing a code suggestion, check its behaviour before incorporating it into the project.

Here is a simple editorial exercise: write five notes about an everyday task and request an outline with steps and open questions. Ask it to use only the supplied information and mark missing details.

Compare the outline with your original notes. Correct an instruction and try again. Keep both results to observe the change. This teaches context and evaluation without a complex project or sensitive information.

Questions in the live session show that everyone arrives with a different need. An introduction helps recognise possibilities; the next stage is choosing a small problem and taking time to understand it.

The recording also discusses predictions and informal examples from other sectors. This article focuses on initial concepts and practices. Continue with the classes on prompts, n8n and prototypes in the video section, each with its article and original source.