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Introduction to AI and digital tools

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can identify digital tools used for searching and communication and recognise the AI features embedded in some of these tools.

Key learning points

  1. Digital tools allow users to search, communicate and interact, but their use is dependent on internet and device access.
  2. Digital tools have many benefits, but they also have challenges that need to be considered when you are using them.
  3. AI refers to computer systems that use data-based algorithms to give the impression of human-like intelligence.
  4. AI features, such as predictive text and information summarisation, are now part of many digital tools.

Keywords

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) - computer systems that adjust their outputs based on data or follow rules to perform complex tasks

  • Algorithm - a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem

  • Digital tool - any electronic device or application used to find, create or share information and complete tasks

Common misconception

Information, recommendations and search results provided by AI tools are always right because they come from a computer.

AI doesn't think and will only produce results based on past data, which could include errors.

Teacher tip

For Task B pupils are asked to pick three benefits and three challenges of digital tools and describe their impact. It may be worth grouping students and asking them to explore one benefit and challenge each and then sharing their ideas to facilitate discussion.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is primarily used to find information on the internet?

a messaging application
a video editing suite
an email service
Correct answer: a search engine

Q2.
What is the main purpose of an instant messaging application?

to create complex 3D models and animations
Correct answer: to send text and media to others in real time
to store large files in a physical warehouse
to browse the web using a private connection

Q3.
Which of these best describes 'the cloud' in computing?

data stored on your device's local hard drive
a physical weather pattern that affects Wi-Fi
a type of software used only for drawing
Correct answer: servers accessed over the internet that store data

Q4.
Why is it important to use strong, unique passwords online?

to make it easier for apps to recognise your face
to help the computer run at a faster speed
to ensure you can share your account with friends
Correct answer: to protect your personal data and privacy

Q5.
Select the ways you can share information digitally with a group.

Correct answer: sending an email to multiple recipients
writing a note on a piece of paper
Correct answer: posting an update on a social media platform
keeping a private diary in a locked drawer

Q6.
What does a web browser allow you to do?

create and edit high-quality video files
Correct answer: access and view pages on the World Wide Web
physically repair a broken tablet or laptop
write code for a new operating system

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of a digital tool?

a specific sequence of code used only for mathematical calculations
Correct answer: any electronic device or application used to find, create or share information
a hardware component required to connect a computer to a local network
an automated system that operates without any human input or instructions

Q2.
What makes generative AI tools different from standard digital tools?

They require an internet connection to function.
Correct answer: They use prompts to create new content based on patterns.
They are physical devices used to generate electricity for computer systems.
They are search engines that only provide links to official government websites.

Q3.
When using an AI 'background remover' tool, how does the technology identify the subject?

Correct answer: It analyses pixels to predict which shapes represent the person.
It uses a sensor to measure the distance between the camera and the person.
It compares the photo to a live database of every person's face in the world.
It highlights the brightest colours in the image and deletes the darker ones.

Q4.
Which of these is a challenge when using digital tools for research?

Digital tools are too slow to find relevant information for school projects.
Most search engines charge a fee for every individual search query made.
Using digital tools prevents a computer from being able to perform other tasks.
Correct answer: The information retrieved may be inaccurate, biased or out of date.

Q5.
Which AI feature is responsible for suggesting content on a social media 'For you' feed?

predictive text algorithms
Correct answer: recommendation algorithms based on previous user behaviour
productivity templates for document creation
voice-to-text translation services

Q6.
Which of these is a key benefit of modern digital tools?

They guarantee that all personal data is kept 100% private.
They remove the need for pupils to learn how to read or write manually.
They are the only reliable source of information for historical facts.
Correct answer: They enable efficient collaboration across different locations.

To help you plan your 8 digital literacy lesson on: Introduction to AI and digital tools, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...