How to Use AI: A Practical Guide

Understanding AI as a Tool

Key characteristics of AI systems:

• Access to vast knowledge across domains
• Consistent availability and responsiveness
• Capability to assist with learning and creative work
• Occasional errors or inaccuracies in output
• Lack of genuine understanding or contextual awareness

Core Principle

AI augments human capability—it enhances your work rather than replacing your judgment or effort.

Practical Applications

1. Learning & Homework Helper

How to use it:

You: "I don't understand fractions. Can you explain them like I'm learning for the first time?"

AI: "Imagine you have a pizza..."

[AI gives simple explanation]

You: "Can you give me practice problems?"

AI: [Creates custom practice questions]

Note: Use AI to deepen comprehension, not to bypass learning. The goal is understanding, not shortcuts.

2. Creative Projects

AI can assist with:

• Visual concepts: Generating reference imagery and compositional ideas
• Narrative development: Outlining stories, developing characters, exploring themes
• Musical composition: Suggesting arrangements, instrumentation, tonal approaches
• Ideation: Brainstorming concepts across creative domains

AI provides scaffolding and initial ideas—your creativity and judgment transform them into meaningful work.

3. Research and Learning

Effective queries:

• "Explain [topic] in accessible terms"
• "What are the foundational concepts in [subject]?"
• "Break down [complex process] into sequential steps"

Critical note: Always verify important facts independently. AI systems can generate plausible-sounding but incorrect information.

4. Building & Making Things

AI can help you:

• Write code for simple programs
• Design things ("How should I arrange my room?")
• Plan projects ("Steps to build a birdhouse")
• Troubleshoot ("My code doesn't work, here's the error...")

Boundaries and Best Practices

Inappropriate uses include:

• Submitting AI-generated work as original effort
• Making critical decisions about health or safety
• Sharing sensitive personal information
• Generating harmful or deceptive content
• Misrepresenting AI output as your own analysis

Use AI as a collaborator and learning tool, not as a means to bypass genuine effort.