Learning About Learning

Part 1 Introduction:

This lesson helps you think about what learning means and how AI can support you while you learn.

Learning is like leveling up in a game. It might feel hard, but that’s what makes it exciting! Tough challenges help you get better at problem-solving and build your skills. The struggle is part of the process, and when you finally succeed, it feels way more rewarding. The harder it is, the sweeter the win! So don’t shy away from the tough stuff in your education—it’s how you grow stronger and smarter. 

‘

‘

Teachers are excited for students to learn how to use AI wisely. Your high school classes can help you build the skills needed to use AI effectively and responsibly. Think of it this way: learning basic skills in school is like learning to control the volume, balance the sound, and choose the right tracks before you DJ a party. Without those basics, the music doesn’t flow, and the crowd won’t enjoy it.

AI can boost your ideas, but you need to stay in control. High school helps you learn to think critically and understand the world—skills AI depends on. Knowing the basics helps you ask smarter questions and check AI’s answers, making it work for you.

High school isn’t perfect of course, but if you look for ways to build your skills, even in an imperfect system, you’re setting yourself up for success!

‘

Reflection Question 1 –  In four or five sentences, explain something you learned or achieved that was difficult at the time and how overcoming that difficulty made the experience more rewarding.

Part 2.  Core Competencies

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Communication-thinkging-personal-and-social.png

By now you have probably heard of the Core Competencies in British Columbia’s education.  Think of these Core Competencies as essential life skills, not specific subjects like “learn French” or “write an essay.”   These skills will help you succeed in whatever life paths you choose!

There are three main Core Competencies.  They are:

Communication Imagine rocking group projects, speaking confidently to adults, and avoiding misunderstandings with friends. Communication means sharing your ideas clearly and listening well. It takes practice, but it leads to better relationships now and future success in life and work.

Thinking
Want to ace problem-solving, come up with genius ideas, or win debates? Thinking skills—creative, critical, and reflective—are your secret weapons. In school, they help with tricky assignments and exams. In life, they’re the tools for innovation, navigating big decisions, and standing out in a world full of challenges.

Personal and Social
Ever wanted to handle stress better, understand your friends, or make a real impact? Personal and Social skills teach self-awareness, empathy, and responsibility. Right now, they help you balance life and school. In the future, they’re your guide to being a leader, a change maker, and your best self.

‘

Reflection Question 2 – In  four or five sentences share an example of  how one or more of these competencies will serve you well in your life.  The more specific the better! 

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1520168536056.jpg

Every class you take should help build these important skills, even if you don’t notice it right away!

With AI growing fast, many students use various AIs to build their skills. But AI can also weaken those same skills if used the wrong way. That’s what this lesson is here to help with.

As teachers, we aim to help you develop essential skills, including using AI intelligently!

‘

‘

Part 3 – Using AI Wisely.

Start with this short video:

With the massive expansion of AI, experts predict three types of people are emerging:

Those who ignore AI  tools, missing opportunities to enhance their skills. Those who over-rely on them, losing creativity, skepticism, and the ability to express their ideas. Those who use AI wisely to expand their skills and abilities.

So, learn to wield AI wisely and it will be a great ally in your learning.

So how do you use AI wisely exactly?

Think of tools like ChatGPT, Quillbot, Flexi, and Grammarly as just that—tools. Tools can assist, but their impact depends on the user. A hammer can build or destroy a house. Similarly, fire can cook food and rejuvenate forests or devastate homes and entire communities.

Think about how you use AI. Every time you interact with it, you’re telling AI what you want it to be! Use AI to build skills and create, and you’re shaping a future where AI supports learning. But if you rely on it to skip thinking, you’re voting for a world where AI replaces human creativity. Choose wisely!

When we talk about AI here, we mean general AIs like ChatGPT, Claude, or CoPilot. There are hundreds of others, some very specific and not meant for schoolwork. For example, asking a game character chatbot for homework help or life advice isn’t using AI wisely!

Perhaps you are even unaware that there are responsible and irresponsible ways to use AI!  Here is an example of each…

Think of the difference between these two prompts for an AI tool.

Prompt 1)  I need an essay about _______.

Prompt 2)  I am a 17-year-old high school student learning about _____________.  I am supposed to write an essay about it, but I need some help.  I know a few things about it, but I am not totally sure that I am well enough informed.  Can you ask me some questions about ________?  Here is the essay question that my teacher provided:  “ _________ ______________”.  I want you to support my learning and my thinking, so, one at a time, ask me some questions that will focus my thinking.  And limit your questions to 15 words each.

Here’s one more video to view.  Consider how the ideas in here might apply to your own life / education.

Reflection Question 3 (Choose 1)

In four or five sentences in your own words, explain the difference between using AI responsibly and over-relying on it. What do you think are the most significant risks of over-reliance on AI in your education?

In four or five sentences, share a time when you used a tool or resource to help with your learning (this could be AI, the internet, or something else). What   did you gain from using it? Did it help you learn, or do you feel you missed an opportunity to learn something more deeply?

‘

‘

‘

‘

Part 4 – Prompt Craft

The various instructions (prompts) that we put into different AI’s are called prompt craft.

Probably the most important inclusions in your AI prompts need to demonstrate that you have a desire to learn, grow, apply effort, and that you want AI to support you in that.  Moving forward, keep the following prompt handy and evolve it to reflect your specific class, your age, and your assignments, etc

Here is a prompt that you can use anytime!  Feel free to copy and past it and fill in the blanks for your specific purpose:

You are a highly skilled tutor who knows exactly how to generate deep and meaningful learning in your students.  The class I am working on is ___________ , and I need to do an assignment about _______________.  Other specifics of the assignment include _________________.   What I’m struggling with is ____________________.   Can you act as my tutor and ask me questions to help explore my understanding of this issue?  Use language that a _______ year old understands and limit your responses to ____(# of words)__________.       

 

Here are some other examples of ways to intelligently interact with programs like ChatGPT and other AI websites: (also note that these are questions that you could directly ask your teacher!  Remember they are here to help!)

  1. Please act as my tutor by helping me learn the concepts of how the scientific method works. Ask me simple questions only and limit them to 15 words each.
  2. I am unsure how to tell if a character in a short story is static or dynamic. Without giving me a direct answer, (again, please act as a tutor might) ask me questions that will help me understand this concept.
  3. I am a 16-year-old ESL student. My teacher keeps giving me low grades and says my writing is not sophisticated enough. What are some writing tips that you can give me so I can improve my writing? Please limit your responses to 50 words each.
  4. I am a 16-year-old high school student in social studies 10 who would like to debate you on whether Canada should increase or decrease the voting age.  I want you to take the side of increasing the age.  I will take the side of decreasing the age.  Please limit your responses to 50 words at a time, and please use relatively simple language that I can understand.  You can go first.

Here is one last fantastic two minute video to inspire you!

Final Thoughts and Final Task

‘

Just like setting boundaries in relationships or pacing yourself in a marathon, engaging with AI is about balance and purpose.  See AI as a partner—not a substitute—for your critical thinking and creativity. 

‘

Reflection Question 4.  Choose 1.

Choice 1 – Based on what you’ve learned here, what is one specific action you can take in your studies to use AI more responsibly? In four or five sentences, outline how you will approach future assignments or tasks with this mindset.

Choice 2 – How do you think AI will impact your learning and future career? In four or five sentences reflect on how you plan to use AI responsibly to strengthen your skills without asking it to do the work for you.