Finding reliable information online has become increasingly frustrating. Google's results are dominated by ads, sponsored content and SEO-optimised pages that bury the actual answer. Yet most people keep using Google out of habit, unaware that a new generation of AI-powered search tools now exists, tools that read across thousands of sources and deliver a single, clear, cited answer in plain English.

This hands-on course introduces participants to these smarter alternatives, with a particular focus on Perplexity AI- a free, beginner-friendly tool that answers questions conversationally, shows exactly where its information comes from, and requires no technical background to use.

Over two sessions, participants will learn why these tools work differently from Google, how to ask good questions to get better answers, and how to evaluate whether the results can be trusted. By the end, participants will have the confidence to use AI-powered search as part of their everyday online life, for health questions, travel planning, local services, news, and more.

No prior experience with AI or technology is required.

NOTE: Students must bring an electronic device (such as their mobile phone, laptop, iPad, tablet, etc) as well as a suitable charger for your device.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Why Google results have become harder to use: ads, SEO and information overload
• What AI-powered search tools are and how they work differently
• Introduction to Perplexity AI: live demonstration
• Hands-on practice: asking everyday questions across health, travel, news and local services
• How to tell whether an AI search result can be trusted
• Understanding the limits: what these tools can and cannot do

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Explain why AI-powered search tools give different results to Google
• Use Perplexity AI to ask questions and find clear, cited answers
• Apply effective questioning techniques to get more useful results
• Evaluate the reliability of AI search results before acting on them
• Use AI-powered search confidently for everyday tasks including health, travel and news