Learning Objectives

• Be able to create clear prompts for technology guidance.
• Be able to use context without sharing private or sensitive information.
• Understand how to ask AI to slow down, simplify and check understanding.
• Be able to recognise when a question is too broad or unsafe.

Many AI answers become confusing because the question is too general. “How do I use my phone?” is too wide. “How do I increase text size on an Android phone? Give me one step at a time” is much clearer. Trainers should teach learners that the quality of the question often shapes the usefulness of the answer.

A good prompt for older learners usually includes four elements: who I am, what device or app I am using, what I want to do, and how I want the explanation. For example: “I am a beginner. I use an iPhone. I want to send a photo to my friend on WhatsApp. Explain slowly, one step at a time, and avoid technical words.”

Learners should also know what not to include. They should not paste passwords, bank details, identity numbers, full addresses, private medical information, or screenshots that show confidential data. AI can help with general explanations without seeing sensitive information.