AI for seniors: a free beginner course

Six short units, in order. Free, no sign-up, large print, with a printable PDF workbook.

New to AI? Start at unit 1 and go at your own pace. Each unit has a goal, a few simple pages to read, and one small thing to try. Senior centers and libraries can use it as a ready-made AI class.

⬇️ Download the free PDF workbook

Unit 1 of 6 · 10 minutes

What AI is (and isn’t)

Goal: Understand what people mean by "AI" in plain words.

Read and use:

Try it: Explain AI to a friend in one sentence. For example: "It’s a computer program that can write and answer questions in plain language."

Remember

AI is a computer program that can write, answer questions, and recognize pictures or voices.
It is a tool, not a person. It can be helpful and it can be wrong.
You are in charge. You decide what to ask and what to believe.

Unit 2 of 6 · 60 minutes

Try an AI helper for the first time

Goal: Open a real AI helper safely and ask your first questions.

Read and use:

Try it: Ask: "I am new to AI. Please explain in 3 short, simple sentences what you can help me with."

Remember

Use the official website or app. Check the spelling of the web address.
Tell it who you are and how you want the answer: "simple words, 5 short steps."
It’s fine to say "make that shorter" or "explain it again."

Unit 3 of 6 · 30 minutes

Fun, useful things to do with AI

Goal: Use AI for a real task from your own life.

Read and use:

Try it: Pick one project, copy its prompt, and fill in your own details. Leave out private numbers and full addresses.

Remember

AI is good at drafts: notes, letters, recipes, lists, and questions for the doctor.
Read what it writes and change it to sound like you.
Check health, money, and legal answers with a real person you trust.

Unit 4 of 6 · 20 minutes

Spot AI scams

Goal: Recognize the tricks scammers use, including fake voices.

Read and use:

Try it: Take the Scam or Real? quiz. Then pick a family "safe word" to use if someone calls in an emergency.

Remember

Scammers can copy a loved one’s voice. Hang up and call them back on a number you know.
Pressure, secrecy, and gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto are red flags.
A family safe word stops fake emergency calls.

Unit 5 of 6 · 15 minutes

Check before you click or call

Goal: Use free tools on our site to check a suspicious link, message, or number.

Read and use:

Try it: Paste a text or email you weren’t sure about into the Scam Text and Email Checker and read the warning signs.

Remember

Don’t tap links in surprise texts about tolls, packages, or charges.
Go to the company’s real website or app yourself instead.
When unsure, ask someone you trust before you act.

Unit 6 of 6 · 10 minutes

If something goes wrong

Goal: Know exactly who to call if you think you were scammed.

Read and use:

I got scammed. What do I do?

Try it: Write the hotline numbers below on a card and keep it by your phone.

Remember

Call your bank or card company right away.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Free help: DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311. AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline 1-877-908-3360.

Teaching this as a class?

Print one workbook per person and cover one or two units per session. For a single one-hour class, use our Trying AI safely lesson plan, or browse all free lesson plans for senior centers and libraries.

Printable workbook

AI for Seniors: beginner course workbook

Six short units. Do one at a time. Check the box when you finish.

☐ Unit 1: What AI is (and isn’t) (10 minutes)

AI is a computer program that can write, answer questions, and recognize pictures or voices.
It is a tool, not a person. It can be helpful and it can be wrong.
You are in charge. You decide what to ask and what to believe.

Try it: Explain AI to a friend in one sentence. For example: "It’s a computer program that can write and answer questions in plain language."

Online: aiseniors.app/learn/what-is-ai/