To better use AI tools, it is important for you to understand its background and how it functions. Click on the following links to navigate to the various sections.
What is AI?
AI stands for artificial intelligence which is when computers do tasks that usually need human thinking; like learning, planning, understanding language, and recognizing patterns. AI uses data to spot patterns and make decisions or predictions with little help from people.
Click here to watch the Common Sense Education video, “What is AI?” to learn more about the basics.
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How Does AI Work?
Machine learning, a big part of how AI works, is when computers learn on their own by finding patterns in data. It’s a part of AI and helps computers make better decisions by improving the rules they follow over time.
Click here to watch the Code.org video, “What is Machine Learning?” to learn more about how AI works.
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Large Language Model
Another part of AI is large language models, which are a type of deep‑learning computer program that learns from huge amounts of text. It uses what it learns to understand and predict words and sentences. Large language models can help rewrite or translate text, answer questions, and even create computer code. They are useful because they can help people and organizations create content more quickly.
Click here to view another Code.org video called "How Chatbots and Large Language Models Work” to learn more about large language models.
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Ethics
Although AI can be a valuable aid in learning, it's important to remember ethical considerations when using it. As a student, you should use AI responsibly, check the accuracy of information, and maintain academic honesty.
This means thinking carefully about how you use tools like AI chatbots or large language models. AI can help you research, explain tough subjects, or even check your work, but it’s up to you to make sure the information is correct. Sometimes, AI might make mistakes or give wrong answers, so it’s important to double‑check facts using trusted sources like your teachers, textbooks, or reliable websites.
Academic honesty is essential. That means never copying answers directly from AI or letting it do your homework for you. Instead, use AI as a helper to learn and understand your assignments better. Always give credit if you use information from AI, just like you would with a book or website. This helps you follow your school’s rules and shows you’re learning for yourself. Review "The Ethics of Online Learning” article to read more about academic honesty and AI usage.
Finally, be respectful and thoughtful about how you use AI. Don’t use it to spread rumors, cheat, or create inappropriate content. By being responsible, checking facts, and staying honest, you can make the most of AI while keeping your learning fair and trustworthy.
Click here to watch “Talking to Kids About AI: Privacy, Fairness, and Responsibility,” a video from Common Sense Education that explains these concepts further.
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Applications
Artificial intelligence is used in many parts of everyday life, often in ways people don’t even notice. It helps apps recommend shows, powers voice assistants, and allows phones to unlock using facial recognition.
In transportation, AI supports self‑driving cars and helps apps like Google Maps predict traffic.
Doctors use AI to analyze medical images and detect diseases earlier, while businesses rely on it to spot fraud or answer customer questions through chatbots.
Even creative fields use AI to generate art, music, and writing.
These examples show how AI helps solve problems, make decisions, and improve the tools we use daily.
Click here to watch the video, “How AI Works in Everyday Life,” from Google AI.
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Using Lincoln AI
Lincoln AI is a digital tool that helps you learn, almost like having your own personal tutor. It uses artificial intelligence to figure out what you’re working on, notice where you might be getting stuck, and give you explanations, hints, or practice that fits your needs.
Instead of just giving you the answers, it guides you to think through problems so you can build confidence and stronger study habits. Because it adjusts to your pace and learning style, Lincoln AI makes learning more engaging and supportive, whether you’re reviewing class notes, exploring a new topic, or getting ready for a test.
One option with Lincoln AI is our Learning Coach. See how Lincoln AI Learning Coach works by watching the following video, “Personalized Support with Learning Coach.”
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