Getting useful results from AI often depends on how you ask the question. This practical course explores how prompt wording, structure and context shape AI responses. Participants learn simple techniques to improve accuracy, clarity and usefulness for everyday tasks such as writing, planning and research. The focus is on hands-on understanding rather than technical detail, making the course suitable for anyone wanting to use AI more effectively and confidently in real-world situations.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face / Online

SUGGESTED READING

• OpenAI, Tips for Writing Better Prompts
• FutureLearn, How to Ask Better Questions of AI
• Janelle Shane, You Look Like a Thing and I Love You

COURSE OUTLINE

• Why AI responses can feel vague or inconsistent
• What a “prompt” is, explained simply
• How AI interprets instructions
• Common prompting mistakes people make
• How to give clear instructions and context
• Using examples to guide better responses
• Breaking tasks into simple steps
• Asking follow-up questions to refine results
• Using prompts for everyday tasks like writing, planning, and summarising
• Knowing when to stop, check, or rethink an AI response

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand why some AI responses are helpful and others are not
2. Write clearer prompts that lead to more useful results
3. Adjust and improve prompts when results aren’t quite right
4. Use simple structures to guide AI for everyday tasks
5. Feel more confident using AI without frustration
6. Apply personal judgement and common sense when reviewing AI outputs