Lesson 1, AI Foundations Module
In our first foundational session, we demystified artificial intelligence by exploring what it actually is—and what it isn’t. The key insight? AI doesn’t follow rules like traditional software; it recognizes patterns learned from vast amounts of data, much like how you learned to recognize cats through examples rather than explicit instructions.
We distinguished between different types of AI (Large Language Models, Computer Vision, Predictive AI, and Generative AI) and discovered that AI is already embedded in our daily lives – from email spam filters to smartphone facial recognition. Through practical exercises, participants experienced how AI can adjust its communication style for different audiences and solve multi-constraint problems like planning office pizza orders with dietary restrictions.
The takeaway: AI is a powerful tool for augmentation, not replacement, and like any tool, it requires understanding its capabilities and limitations before we can use it
effectively.
This post is part of the Cambridge AI Lunch & Learn series, a 24-week upskilling programme designed to transform participants from AI curious to AI confident. Through bite-sized
30-minute weekly sessions, we’re building practical AI literacy across Cambridge University Press & Assessment, equipping our team with the skills to work effectively and ethically with artificial intelligence.
Each session follows a proven learn-by-doing approach: 10 minutes of instruction, 10 minutes of demonstration, and 10 minutes of hands-on practice. This isn’t about becoming AI experts but rather it’s about understanding how to augment our work, make better decisions, and navigate the evolving landscape of AI tools with confidence and responsibility.
Continue Learning About AI
- Understanding Large Language Models – Deep dive into ChatGPT and similar AI systems
- AI Capabilities and Limitations – What AI can and cannot do in education
- AI Ethics and Responsible Use – Essential ethical principles for educators
- Your Journey from AI Curious to AI Confident – Complete learning pathway