Frequently Asked Questions

For the first three questions, simply click or tap the question or the plus sign beside it to reveal the answer. Click again to close it. Questions 4 to 21 and their answers are displayed further down this page.

What exactly is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

AI is computer technology that can help you work with information, words, pictures and ideas. You can ask it a question in everyday language, much as you would type a message. Think of it as a very versatile tool: useful, but not always right.

I've never used AI before. Can I really learn it?

Yes. The course begins at the beginning. We explain unfamiliar terms, show you what to do and give you simple exercises to try for yourself. You do not have to know anything about AI before you start.

I'm not very good with Computers. Will I manage?

You do not need to be a computer expert. If you can open a website, read an email and type a short message, you have the basic skills to begin. If something feels unfamiliar, you can go back and try it again.

More Frequently Asked Questions

About AI and the Seriously Useful Course

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK AI FIRST.

Did you know that AI itself can answer most of your everyday questions?

Simply open your AI assistant, such as ChatGPT, and ask your question in ordinary language. You don't need special words or technical knowledge.

If the answer isn't quite what you wanted, try asking again. Give AI a little more information, explain what you're trying to achieve, or say, "Please explain that more simply."

You can even say, "I'm a complete beginner. Please guide me step by step."

Remember: Better questions usually give better answers!

AI can make mistakes, so always check important information, particularly anything involving money, health, legal matters or personal safety.

And remember, you're in control. You can ask another question, request a different explanation or start again whenever you wish.

MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

4. Am I too old to start learning AI?

Not at all! People of all ages and backgrounds can learn useful AI skills. Our course is designed for complete beginners, with clear explanations, practical examples and exercises you can work through at your own pace.

You don't need to be young or technically minded. Curiosity and a willingness to try something new are all you need.

5. What can AI actually do to make my everyday life easier?

Quite a lot! AI can help you write letters and emails, understand confusing documents, plan holidays, compare products, organise everyday activities, learn new skills and explore creative ideas.

It can also help you solve problems, understand unfamiliar subjects and save time on everyday tasks.

Our course concentrates on practical things you can actually use, rather than complicated technical theory.

6. Do I need any special equipment or computer knowledge?

No special equipment or programming knowledge is required.

You'll need an internet connection, an email address and a device with a web browser.

A laptop or desktop computer is recommended because it's easier to switch between your lessons and your AI assistant. However, you can also learn using a tablet or smartphone.

7. Can I take the course using my phone or tablet?

Yes!

You can read the lessons and practise the exercises using a smartphone or tablet.

However, a larger screen makes some activities easier, particularly when you want to look at your lesson instructions while using AI.

If you have a laptop or desktop computer, we recommend using it, but it isn't essential.

8. Do I need to pay for separate AI software?

No additional paid AI subscription is required to get started.

There are free AI services available that you can use for many of the exercises in our course.

Some AI providers offer optional paid versions with additional features, but you don't need to purchase an expensive subscription just to begin learning.

Free services may have usage limits, and available features can change.

9. Are the first four lessons really free?

Yes, absolutely!

The first four lessons are free, with no obligation to purchase anything afterwards.

You'll need to register so that you can access the lessons and return to them.

Once you've completed the four free lessons, you can decide whether you'd like to continue with the remaining twelve.

The choice is entirely yours.

10. What will I learn during the four free lessons?

Our first four lessons are designed to give you a useful introduction to AI.

LESSON 1: Safety and Scam Awareness

Learn how to recognise potential scams, protect your personal information and use AI more safely.

LESSON 2: Getting Comfortable with AI

Discover how to use an AI assistant, ask questions and become familiar with what it can do.

LESSON 3: Your First Useful Conversation

Learn how to have a productive conversation with AI and improve the answers you receive.

LESSON 4: Your First Everyday Success

Put your new knowledge into practice and you will soon learn how best to communicate with AI.

11. How much does the full course cost?

The introductory price is £24.95 for access to the full twenty-lesson Beginner course.

The first four lessons are free, and your purchase provides access to the remaining twelve paid lessons.

The price displayed at checkout is the amount you should check before completing your purchase.

12. Is it a one-off payment or a monthly subscription?

It's a one-off payment, not a monthly subscription.

You pay once for the Beginner course. There are no recurring monthly course subscription charges.

You can start with the four free lessons before deciding whether to purchase the remaining twelve.

13. How long does the course take, and can I learn at my own pace?

You can work through the lessons at your own pace.

Some people enjoy completing several lessons in one sitting. Others prefer to complete one lesson, practise what they've learned and return another day.

There's no need to rush.

The important thing is to understand what you're learning and enjoy discovering what AI can do for you.

14. What happens if I get stuck or need help?

First, try asking AI!

Explain what you're trying to do and where you're having difficulty.

For example, you could say:

"I'm a complete beginner. I'm trying to copy some text from one page to another. Please explain exactly what I should do, step by step."

If the explanation is too complicated, ask AI to make it simpler.

For course-access or payment questions that AI cannot resolve, use the contact information provided on our website.

Remember, learning something new sometimes takes a little practice.

15. What happens if I buy the course and decide it isn't for me?

We want you to feel comfortable making your decision.

Before purchasing, please read the refund and cancellation information provided on our website and at checkout.

These terms explain the conditions that apply and how to request assistance or a refund.

You can explore the first four lessons completely free before deciding whether to continue.

16. Will I receive a certificate when I finish?

We're planning a personalised Basic AI Skills Certificate of Completion for learners who complete the full sixteen-lesson course.

We're also developing a sixteen-topic Record of Learning showing the subjects covered.

These would be records of course completion, not accredited professional qualifications.

Please check the website for confirmation of availability and delivery details.

17. Is AI safe to use, and what about my personal information?

AI can be extremely useful, but it's important to use it sensibly.

Never give an AI assistant your passwords, banking security details, one-time verification codes or other highly confidential information.

Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information or private details belonging to other people.

Our first lesson introduces three particularly important words:

STOP. CHECK. VERIFY.

Learning to recognise suspicious messages, questionable information and possible scams is an essential part of using AI confidently.

18. Can I trust AI to give me accurate answers?

Not always!

AI can produce excellent answers, but it can also make mistakes, misunderstand questions or provide outdated information.

That's why we teach you to think critically and check important facts.

For health, legal and financial matters, verify information using reliable sources and seek professional advice when appropriate.

AI is a powerful assistant, but you remain responsible for your decisions.

19. How do I start the four free lessons?

Simply return to our homepage and select the button marked "Start 4 Free Lessons".

Follow the registration instructions and begin with Lesson 1.

The lessons are designed to guide you from the beginning, so you don't need any previous experience with AI.

Take your time, enjoy the exercises and practise what you learn.

20. Why take a course instead of simply asking AI to teach me?

That's a very good question!

You certainly can ask AI to teach you things, and we encourage you to do exactly that.

However, when you're a complete beginner, you may not know which questions to ask, what skills to learn first or which safety precautions are important.

Our sixteen-lesson course provides a clear learning path, practical exercises and essential safety guidance.

Each lesson builds on what you've already learned.

Our aim is to help you become confident enough to explore AI independently.

One of the most valuable skills you'll learn is how to use AI to continue teaching yourself!

21. Can I use what I've learned with other AI platforms?

Yes!

Many of the skills you learn can be used with different AI assistants.

Although individual platforms may look different and offer different features, the basic principles are often very similar.

Learning how to ask clear questions, improve answers, check information and protect your privacy will help you use many AI services.

You won't be limited to one provider.

As AI develops, these transferable skills will help you explore new tools and opportunities.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

ASK AI FIRST!

Ask your question in ordinary language. If the answer isn't helpful, provide more detail, ask for a simpler explanation or try approaching the question differently.

Remember, better questions usually produce better answers.

Always verify important information.

Every time you practise, you're developing a useful new skill.

Welcome to the world of AI, and enjoy discovering what you can achieve!