1.1. Introduction
Hou I (Esther) Lau
This module lays the foundation for understanding AI by exploring its history, definitions, and implications. Whether you arrive feeling curious, cautious, or enthusiastic, this section is designed to meet you where you are and help you build confident, critical engagement with AI. We begin with a short pre-assessment activity that helps you gauge your current knowledge and assumptions about AI. From there, we turn to the broader context: first looking at AI’s history, then clarifying definitions and categories that will guide the rest of the book.
Module 1 Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate between AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL).
- Debunk common misconceptions about what AI is and is not.
- Explain why AI literacy matters for educators and staff.
Key Idea: AI Is More Than A Tool
AI is not just a technological tool; it can act like a mirror of human choices, values, and priorities. The goal here isn’t to chase every new app, but to ask better questions: Why does AI matter? What is it for? Who is it for?
Quick Self-Check
Test your current AI knowledge with three quick questions.
Looking Ahead
Next, we’ll step back into a brief history, beginning with early mechanical ideas and moving to today’s generative systems, to place current tools in a broader perspective.
